MANILA, Philippines — The former comptroller of the Philippine National Police is the new chief of the 230,000-strong PNP.
Maj. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, who headed the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership, officially took over from Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., becoming the 30th PNP chief on the same day that Malacañang made the announcement yesterday.
The 55-year-old Marbil is a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1991, like Acorda, who retired after over 37 years in the service.
At the change of command and retirement honors for Acorda at Camp Crame, President Marcos ordered Marbil to ensure that PNP personnel would be “agents of transformation” and to lead a police force that is “pro-God, pro-country, pro-people, pro-environment.”
He also assured Marbil that he has his “full confidence” and “full support.”
“Let us work closely with you in addressing emerging threats, such as cybercrime, terrorism and transnational crimes. We shall continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and give the finest service to our beloved citizens,” the President said.
Marbil had served as chief of the Police Regional Office 8, which has jurisdiction over Eastern Visayas, and as director of the Highway Patrol Group.
He has a master’s degree in public administration from Ateneo de Manila University.
“Let us now ensure that the PNP will be agents of progressive transformation in the lives of our people by ensuring the safety and well-being of every community in the land,” he added.
Marcos lauded Acorda for his achievements, citing the former police chief’s five focused agenda that he said guided the PNP toward “more honest law enforcement operations, enhanced information technology capabilities and stronger community relations.”
He also mentioned the results of a recent OCTA Research poll, which indicated that the PNP was the third highest performing and most trusted among 25 state agencies in the second quarter of 2023.
The survey, which saw the PNP obtaining a 76 percent trust rating, indicated the public’s increasing trust and confidence in the police force, Marcos said.
“This ceremony is not meant as a farewell to General Acorda, but a chance to acknowledge and congratulate him for his efforts, his patriotism, his unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our people,” the Chief Executive said.
According to Marcos, the PNP’s efforts in combating various forms of crime have yielded “tangible results.”
“With all these, I believe, the best send-off gift that we can give General Acorda is neither the usual memorabilia nor the typical testimonials. The best parting token that we can offer him is the pledge to exceed what he has done during his watch and to continue the good work that he has begun,” he said.
“I am sure nothing will make General Benjie Acorda happier than seeing the organization he loves so much able to outdo all the previous achievements of the PNP. So, for all these and more, I congratulate and salute General Acorda for a job well done! Now, we pass the privilege of leading the PNP (that is) more efficient, transparent and trustworthy in these challenging and promising times.”
Acorda, who was installed as PNP chief on April 24, 2023, reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 last Dec. 3. However, Marcos extended his term until March 31.
“Looking back on my 37 years, one month and nine days of military and police service, I take great pride in saying I have done my best and will always cherish the moments I spent with all of you,” Acorda said.
Hours before yesterday’s change of command ceremony, Malacañang issued a statement stating that Marcos had designated police Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Baloloy Peralta as officer-in-charge of the office of the PNP chief.
“In the exigency of the service and to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of service, please be informed that Police Lieutenant General Emmanuel Baloloy Peralta is designated as concurrent officer-in-charge, Office of the Chief, PNP, effective 31 March 2024, until a replacement is appointed or until otherwise directed by this office,” a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin read.
The memorandum, issued on March 27, was addressed to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, whose department has jurisdiction over the PNP.
Before ending his speech, Marcos thanked the members of the police force and their families for their sacrifices and urged them to “face the coming days with even greater fervor, determination and optimism to achieve our goals and aspirations for the nation.”
“Let us remain vigilant in the face of challenges and opportunities, as we strive to build a Bagong Pilipinas where everyone can thrive and live in peace,” he added. – Mark Ernest Villeza