CHR welcomes appointment of new PNP chief Marbil

Philippine National Police chief gen. Rommel Marbil (INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday said it supports the appointment of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil.

“CHR looks forward to the new leadership of PNP Chief Marbil, who expressed his commitment to improve the current progress of the agency in reducing the crime rate in the Philippines through innovative practices in the law enforcement,” the CHR said in a statement.

The agency said that it was “hopeful” of the PNP’s use of new technologies in accomplishing its duties and to secure the safety of the people.

“We commend the PNP’s plans to progress towards the use of emerging technologies to further widen its reach across communities and develop their capability to address new forms of criminality,” it said

“Emerging threats, such as cybercrime and transnational crimes, highlight the evolving landscape of security concerns in today’s society. By acknowledging and seeking to address these challenges, we are hopeful of the new PNP leadership’s commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all citizens,” it added.

The CHR likewise welcomed Marbil’s decision to veer away from the term “drug war” in terms of its campaign against illegal drugs.

“On his approach to address the drug problem, CHR welcomes the continued shift in rhetoric away from the language of “war,” which has been associated with widespread human rights abuses in the past. We express optimism on his emphasis of accountability and transparency in all police operations,” it added.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. named Marbil to the post on April 1, following the retirement of then PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.