Maj. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil is new PNP chief

FILE PHOTO: The Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, April 1, 2024, named Major General Rommel Francisco Marbil as the new PNP chief. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday named Major General Rommel Francisco Marbil the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Marbil is taking the helm of the national police force after General Benjamin Acorda officially retired from service on April 1, three months after Marcos extended his term. Marbil belongs to the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991.

“With our heartfelt congratulations, we welcome Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, who will assume the responsibilities of the 30th Chief of the PNP. 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, pro-environment,” Marcos told Marbil.

READ: Marcos to new PNP chief Marbil: Address terrorism, cybercrime

Marcos administered Marbil’s oath as the new PNP chief, with Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin witnessing the event.

“With Police General Marbil as our 30th PNP Chief, I enjoin everyone 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,” the President said.

Before being appointed the PNP’s new top boss, Marbil was the officer-in-charge of the institution’s Directorate for Comptrollership.

Marbil likewise served as police director of Eastern Visayas.

READ: Acorda retires from PNP after 3 months of extended service

Also on Monday, retirement honors were conferred to Acorda at the police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. His PNP service should have ended on December 3, 2023, when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 for uniformed personnel of the government.

However, Marcos let him stay as PNP chief until March 31 this year.

On Sunday, the Palace announced that Lieutenant General Emmanuel Baloloy Peralta was appointed PNP officer-in-charge pending Acorda’s exit – but he was immediately replaced by Marbil, whose designation was disclosed during ceremonies in Camp Crame and later sworn in during the same event.