Marbil named new PNP chief

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