Police should serve early morning, have shorter time for flag raising, parades —Marbil

Police should be ready to accommodate clients early morning and cut time for flag raising ceremonies and parades, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said  Tuesday.

“Number 1 talaga is always public service. Early in the morning, we don't spend so much time doon mga parada at flag raising. Before 8 o'clock, dapat we are ready to accept all our clients, he said.

(Number 1 is always public service. Early in the morning, we don't spend so much time for parades and flag raising ceremonies. Before 8 o'clock, we should be ready to accept all our clients.)

“Doon tayo nagugustuhan ng tao. Kung mas maaga and lahat ng problema nila naso-solve natin as early as possible. And I think it is the best way for the PNP to move,” he added.

(That's where people will like us. If we are early and all their problems are solved as fast as possible. And I think it is the best way for the PNP to move.)

Marbil presided over his first command conference as PNP chief at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday where he gave his directives to police officials.

No cellphones

Marbil also said police officers will be prohibited from using their phones during duties and patrols as he wants the people to feel the presence of authorities on the ground.

“Ito 'yung ginagawa namin sa Region 8 and this is my first and last warning: No cellphone during duties and patrols. Kapag nahuli ka namin with cellphone, there will be no forgiveness. Very strict kami dyan,” he said.

(This is what we do in Region 8 and this is my first and last warning: No cellphone during duties and patrols. If we catch you with a cellphone, there will be no forgiveness. We are very strict about this.)

Marbil noted that the restriction only covers recreational activities such as watching videos and scrolling on Facebook. He said the PNP will exercise discernment on the matter.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Marbil on Monday as the new PNP chief, taking over the post of Benjamin Acorda Jr. who retired from service. —KG, GMA Integrated News