Marbil named new PNP chief

The former comptroller of the Philippine National Police is the new chief of the 230,000-strong PNP.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

Maj. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, who headed the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership, officially took over from Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., becoming the 30th PNP chief on the same day that Malacañang made the announcement yesterday.

The 55-year-old Marbil is a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1991, like Acorda, who retired after over 37 years in the service.

At the change of command and retirement honors for Acorda at Camp Crame, President Marcos ordered Marbil to ensure that PNP personnel would be "agents of transformation" and to lead a police force that is "pro-God, pro-country, pro-people, pro-environment."

He also assured Marbil of his “full confidence” and “full support.”

“Let us work closely with you in addressing emerging threats, such as cybercrime, terrorism and transnational crimes. We shall continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and give the finest service to our beloved citizens,” the President said.

Marbil had served as chief of the Police Regional Office 8, which has jurisdiction over Eastern Visayas, and as director of the Highway Patrol Group.

He has a master ’s degree in public administration from Ateneo de Manila University.