MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), succeeding retired Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr.

Marbil’s appointment was announced during the change of command ceremony Monday at Camp Crame, where Marcos expressed his full support for Marbil’s leadership.

Addressing Marbil, Marcos emphasized the need for the PNP to prioritize service aligned with values of faith, patriotism, and environmental consciousness, while also tackling modern challenges like cybercrime and terrorism.

In his policy dubbed ‘Oplan Marbil,’ the new chief outlined strategic priorities including resource mobilization, technological advancement, community relations, intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and leadership development.

Marbil pledged to uphold vigilance against transnational criminal activities and terrorism, promising a comprehensive assessment of the PNP’s infrastructure and personnel to enhance effectiveness and productivity across all regions of the Philippines.

Moreover, Marbil stressed the importance of community engagement and leveraging emerging technologies in crime prevention efforts. He also highlighted the need for collaboration with other government agencies to ensure seamless operations and improved coordination.

Lastly, Marbil underscored the importance of continuous skill development for PNP members, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical conduct, and empathy as essential qualities for effective law enforcement.

The appointment of Marbil signals a commitment to modernizing the PNP and ensuring its readiness to address evolving security challenges while maintaining the standards of professionalism and service to the Filipino people.

(By El Amigo/MNM)