MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Monday welcomed his possible term extension as current chief of the police force.
In an interview at the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Taguig City, Marbil said he is focused on the reorganization of the police force and security operations for the May 12 polls.
“As I have said, whether I will be extended or not, I am happy. But I just want the reorganization that we are doing in the PNP to push through. It must be continuous and does not mean if there is a new chief, there are new ideas that would come in,” he said.
“On election preparations, we will be launching our 100 days program, it would be very specific, how would we work toward a peaceful election. But there is nothing to worry about because the PNP is on track in its preparations.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said he is considering extending Marbil’s term as PNP chief, noting that the argument for it is “very strong” amid the election season.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said Marcos will make a final decision on Marbil’s fate before February 7, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. He said Marbil could remain in his post until June.
Marbil, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991, was named the country’s 30th PNP chief on April 1, 2024.
“I don’t want to say shortlist but everybody can be the chief PNP. All of them are good,” he added.
Several senior officers are qualified to be the next PNP chief, including PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, acting PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, PNP chief directorial staff Lt. Gen. Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III. (PNA)