MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has directed police units across the country to strengthen security and offer essential public assistance for the upcoming All Saints’ and All Souls’ holidays, locally known as Undas.

Gen. Marbil emphasized that the intensified deployment of officers in communities, cemeteries, transport terminals, and other gathering areas is aimed at reinforcing peace and safety. “We want the public to feel secure as they honor their loved ones,” he stated.

To deter potential crimes during this period of high travel, Marbil highlighted efforts to prevent opportunistic incidents like break-ins and provide support to motorists. “Our goal is to maintain order and assist those in need, ensuring that everyone can observe Undas safely and peacefully,” he added.

Traffic Measures and Emergency Services

In addition, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has instructed tollway operators to maximize lane availability, initiate counterflow traffic schemes, and suspend road works that may cause delays. Assistance stations are being established to aid motorists, with continuous traffic monitoring and quick-response teams deployed to handle emergencies and maintain order at toll exits and interchanges.

Emergency services, including repair support and first aid, will be available 24/7 along expressways, with regular updates provided on social media for public awareness.

For any emergencies, a dedicated hotline team will be actively managing calls to facilitate smooth coordination with tollway operators and PNP units, contributing to an organized and secure Undas observance.

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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)