President Marcos has named Police Maj. Gen. Rommel Marbil the 30th Chief of the Philippine National Police on Monday, despite the Palace announcing over the weekend that Police Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta would serve as the PNP officer-in-charge.
Mr. Marcos announced Marbil’s appointment yesterday as he presided over the ceremonial change of command and the retirement honors for Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., who concluded his extended tenure as PNP chief with his retirement on March 31.
On Sunday, in a statement, Malacañang said Peralta would serve as the PNP officer-in-charge as Acorda ended his term on the same day.
“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 stated.
The memorandum — dated March 27 — was addressed to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos. The PNP is an attached agency of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Meanwhile, President Marcos said during the ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City: “Police General Marbil, you have my full confidence and my full support as you begin to champion a police that is pro-God, pro-country, pro-people, and pro-environment.”
“Let us work closely with you in addressing emerging threats such as cybercrime, terrorism, and transnational crimes,” he added.
The President ordered Marbil to uphold the highest standards as the newest PNP chief and to lead the country’s police force as the agent of progressive transformation in securing the safety and well-being of the public.
Marbil, an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1991, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new leadership role.
He served as the head of the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership, as well as fulfilling roles as the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) in Western Visayas and Director of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), among others.
President Marcos thanked Acorda, who reached the compulsory retirement age of 56 but had his term extended for three months, and commended his tenure at the helm of the country’s police force for a job well done.
“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,” Mr. Marcos said.
“During his time as Chief, PNP, he introduced the Five-Focused Agenda, which guided the organization towards more honest law enforcement operations, enhanced information technology capabilities, and stronger community relations,” he added.
Mr. Marcos also urged the public to work with the police and the government and strive to build a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“I enjoin everyone to face the coming days with even greater fervor, determination, and optimism to achieve our goals and aspirations for this nation,” the President said.
“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.
For his part, Marbil vowed to achieve the administration’s goal of securing a strong economy, a well-ordered society, and an organized police force.
“My dream is also your dream. A strong economy, a well-ordered society, and a well-organized police force – those were the first words spoken by the President during the inauguration. Your Excellency, sir, I can say that it will come true,” he said.
President Marcos acknowledged the tangible results of the PNP’s endeavors in combating various forms of crime, underscoring the diligence of the officers and personnel, along with the efficacy of the national police’s programs.
Referencing an OCTA Research survey from the previous year, Mr. Marcos underscored the PNP’s recognition as the 3rd Highest Performing and Most Trusted among 25 government agencies in the second quarter of 2023, attaining a 76 percent trust rating.
“This indicates the public’s increasing trust and confidence in the police force,” he stated.
President Marcos emphasized that the most fitting tribute the PNP can offer to Acorda is a commitment to surpass his achievements and uphold the legacy he has initiated.
“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,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Peralta proved to be a one-day officer-in-charge of the police force. Marbil’s appointment overwrote Peralta’s appointment, since the latter’s designation was effective “until a replacement is appointed or until otherwise directed by this office (Malacañang).”
There was an expectation within the police force that Peralta would serve at least for months, like previous PNP OICs, but he served as acting police chief for less than 24 hours.
This was unusual since the last two PNP OICs, retired police generals Archie Gamboa and Vicente Danao, served at least for several months.
Gamboa was OIC for around three months and was eventually appointed PNP chief by former President Rodrigo Duterte. He served for almost a year before retiring in September 2020.
Danao, meanwhile, served for over three months. He was designated OIC on May 5, 2022 or a few days before the 2022 elections, and remained until Marcos appointed retired police general Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as his first PNP chief in August 2022.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Marcos names Marbil as next PNP Chief