Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil 鈥擯NP FB PAGE
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Several officials of the House of Representatives threw their support for Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil鈥檚 term extension, noting that the police force has been effective without having bloodshed and being ultra-aggressive.
In a statement on Monday, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers and Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez said the government鈥檚 approach to the war against drugs has shifted towards a 鈥渃ommunity-driven and intelligence-based approach,鈥� noting that Marbil鈥檚 extended tenure would sustain this style.
Barbers heads the House committee on dangerous drugs, while Fernandez is chairperson of the House committee on public order and safety.
鈥淕en. Marbil has successfully shifted our anti-drug operations toward a community-driven and intelligence-based approach, ensuring that law enforcement is effective without the unnecessary bloodshed we saw during the previous administration,鈥� Barbers said.
鈥淗is continued leadership will ensure that these much-needed reforms remain on track,鈥� he added.
According to Barbers, under Marbil鈥檚 guidance, the PNP 鈥渉as moved away from the aggressive tactics鈥� and has focused on 鈥減rotecting lives and upholding human dignity.鈥�
He also said Marbil鈥檚 鈥渞ecalibrated approach has proven effective and has restored public trust in law enforcement.鈥�
Fernandez, meanwhile, thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for extending Marbil鈥檚 term, saying that this would help the PNP tackle concerns during the 2025 midterm election season.
鈥淗is focus on proactive policing, technological integration, and rapid response strategies has resulted in a significant drop in crime rates,鈥� he added.
READ: His term extended, PNP chief vows to ensure orderly polls
Last February 6, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that Marcos had decided to extend Marbil鈥檚 four-month term. The memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will be effective by February 7, the date of Marbil鈥檚 supposed retirement date.
READ: Marcos extends Marbil鈥檚 term for four months
Several top-ranking PNP officials have also expressed support for Marbil鈥檚 extension, saying that this is a reinforcement of their commitment to service.
鈥淚t further reinforces our dedication to serving and protecting the Filipino people with the highest standards of professionalism,鈥� their statement read.
鈥淏y embracing modern policing strategies and technological innovations, Gen. Marbil has greatly enhanced the PNP鈥檚 capability to address evolving security challenges, creating safer communities and a more resilient nation,鈥� it added.
They also said that the whole police force is committed to ensuring 鈥渁 secure and harmonious environment for all Filipinos鈥� under Marbil鈥檚 continued leadership.
READ: PNP execs: Marbil term extension 鈥榬einforces鈥� commitment to service
Barbers and Fernandez also commended National Capital Region Police Office Director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group head Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III for their work in Metro Manila and national criminal investigations.
鈥淭he commendable efforts of Generals Aberin and Torre have significantly contributed to our nation鈥檚 safety,鈥� Barbers said. 鈥淭heir dedication and effective strategies prove that the PNP is making real progress in keeping the public safe.鈥�
鈥淲ith the leadership of Generals Aberin and Torre, our police force has demonstrated its capability to ensure public safety through effective, professional, and accountable law enforcement,鈥� Fernandez said.