Marcos studies possible extension of Marbil’s term as PNP chief

FILE PHOTO: President Marcos, together with then-Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Philippine National Police director for logistics Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes, and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, inspect an array of PNP armaments during the program marking the 123rd Police Service Anniversary at Camp Crame in Quezon City on August 8, 2024. PPA POOL

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is evaluating the possible extension of Gen. Rommel Marbil as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) until after the May polls.

In an ambush interview in Taguig City on Monday, Marcos was asked about Marbil, who is up for retirement next month. Marbil will reach the PNP’s mandatory retirement age of 56 this February.

“Well, there is a very strong argument that it would be, it would not be good for stability, especially to change the chief PNP in the middle of a campaign period and approaching an election period,” he answered.

“So, we are studying it, but I think that is probably a very strong argument to keep him on. At the very least, until after the elections,” Marcos added in mixed Filipino and English.

READ: DILG’s Remulla ‘indicates’ PNP chief Marbil may extend post until June

It was Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla who pointed out that Marbil may stay as PNP chief until June.

“There are indications that he will be extended until June, but let the President be the one to announce that. Indications pa lang (Just indications),” Remulla said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum last January 15.

READ: Getting to know new PNP chief Maj. Gen. Marbil

“Tapos na ang rigodon ng personnel, so magiging ineffective kung maglalagay ka ng bagong Chief PNP,” Remulla argued.

(The reshuffle of personnel has been finished, so it would be ineffective if we installed a new Chief PNP.)

The election period began last Sunday, Jan. 12. It will end on June 11, a month after the May 12 midterm elections.