Marcos calls for a more efficient PNP under new leadership

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday called on the Philippine National Police to be more efficient in the performance of its duties.

The President made the call during the change of command ceremony which marked the turnover of the PNP Chief post to Police General Francisco Marbil.

Marbil replaced Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. at the PNP’s top post.

“What we witnessed is not just a change of command, but a pledge to stay the course, and to step up work. In the PNP, leadership changes and new assignments are given, but the mission remains: to serve and to protect the people. One goal also remains constant for the PNP: that the PNP does not sit content on its laurels won, but works hard to win more,” Marcos said.

“Now, we pass the privilege of leading the PNP to be more efficient, transparent, and trustworthy in these challenging and promising times. With our heartfelt congratulations, we welcome Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, who will assume the responsibilities of the 30th Chief of the PNP,” Marcos added.

Marcos also emphasized that Marbil had his full confidence and support in championing a police force of 230,000 that was pro-God, pro-country, pro-people, and pro-environment.

The President also vowed to work closely with the PNP in addressing emerging threats such as cybercrime, terrorism, and transnational crimes.

“We will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and give the finest service to our beloved citizens,” Marcos said.

“Let us 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 meanwhile thanked Acorda for a “job well done," citing Acorda's initiation of the Five-Focused Agenda which the President said guided the organization towards more honest law enforcement operations, enhanced information technology capabilities, and stronger community relations.

“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,” Marcos said.

“I believe, the best send-off gift that we can give General Acorda is neither the usual memorabilia nor the typical testimonial, but to exceed what he has done during his watch and to continue the good work that he has begun. So, for all these and more, I congratulate and salute General Acorda for a job well done,” Marcos added.

Marcos chose Marbil to replace Acorda as the PNP chief as the latter's leadership extension ended on Sunday.

Before his appointment as PNP chief, Marbil served as head of the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership (DC), director of Police Regional Office 8 in Eastern Visayas, and chief of PNP Highway Patrol Group.

Marbil was promoted to the rank of Police General during the change-of-command ceremony.

In his speech during the ceremony, Marbil said the PNP would focus on the quality of leadership, efforts against local and transnational crimes, as well as improving public trust.

Marbil also pointed out the importance of officers exercising transparency and accountability in their job.

“We need officers who recognize that it is simply not enough to act decisively, relentlessly, and fast in the war against crime, but that there must also be accountability and transparency on our end,” said the new PNP Chief. — DVM, GMA Integrated News