In my recent interview with Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, the newly appointed Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), we delved into his vision, challenges, and plans for the future of law enforcement in the country. Marbil, who took office on April 1, 2024, brings decades of experience and leadership to the role.
Early Beginnings and Career
Sitting down with PGEN. Marbil, I was immediately struck by his calm demeanor and focus. A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sambisig” Class of 1991, Marbil reflected on his journey through the ranks of the PNP, a career that spans over three decades. From his time as Director of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to his stint as Regional Director of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), he has witnessed firsthand the evolving challenges in policing.
Priorities as Chief PNP
Now at the helm of the PNP, Marbil outlined his priorities for the police force, focusing on crime prevention, peacekeeping, and enhancing public trust. He stressed the importance of strengthening the relationship between the police and the communities they serve, noting, “A police force that works hand in hand with its citizens is more effective in solving crime and maintaining peace.”
Marbil highlighted the PNP’s ongoing efforts to address major security concerns, including terrorism, cybercrime, and illegal drugs. “We are enhancing our intelligence capabilities and investing in technology to stay ahead of these threats,” he explained. His goal is to modernize the PNP while ensuring the force remains accessible and transparent to the public.
The Role of Technology and Modern Policing
Technology, according to Marbil, is key to modern policing. Under his leadership, the PNP is looking to improve digital infrastructure and analytics to fight emerging crimes. He pointed out that while the organization has made strides, there is still work to be done to integrate advanced tools into daily operations.
“We have to be one step ahead, whether it’s in preventing cyber-attacks or improving traffic enforcement through digital monitoring systems. My goal is to fully implement the use of these technologies to boost efficiency,” he said.
Leadership Philosophy
When asked about his leadership style, Marbil emphasized discipline, accountability, and empathy. He believes that leading by example is crucial in an organization like the PNP, where trust and integrity are cornerstones of effective law enforcement.
“My approach has always been to be present and visible to the men and women I lead. They need to see that I am just as involved in the field as they are,” he explained. This hands-on leadership approach, honed during his time in various directorial roles, has earned him respect among his colleagues.
Challenges Ahead
Despite his optimism, Marbil acknowledges the hurdles ahead. The PNP faces public scrutiny, especially concerning issues of police conduct. “Reforming the image of the police force is a long-term challenge, but it starts with accountability,” he said. Marbil is committed to implementing stricter internal policies to ensure that officers are held to the highest standards of professionalism.
In addition to image reform, Marbil is focused on building a more resilient force in the face of political and environmental challenges. “We have to be prepared not only for crime but for natural disasters and socio-political changes. The PNP must be flexible enough to respond to all these challenges,” he stated.
Closing Thoughts
As our conversation drew to a close, PGEN. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil left me with a sense of his deep responsibility as Chief of the PNP. His dedication to public service is palpable, and his forward-thinking approach suggests that the PNP is on the path to becoming a more modern, responsive, and trusted institution.
“I’m not just leading an organization; I’m serving the Filipino people. Every action we take as a police force must reflect our commitment to their safety and well-being,” he concluded.
Marbil’s tenure as Chief of the PNP will be one to watch, as he balances the demands of modern law enforcement with the need for ethical leadership and public trust.
