INTERIOR Secretary Jovic Remulla yesterday hinted that the tour of duty of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil might be extended beyond next month when he reaches the retirement age of 56.
“There are indications that he will be extended until June,” Remulla said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay, referring to Marbil who assumed command of the police force on April 1 last year.
“But the President will be the one to announce that. It’s mere indications (at present),” Remulla said.
Remulla said Marbil’s replacement might become ineffective in the May elections if he is appointed in February. The PNP has begun preparing for the elections as early as last year.
Remulla also noted the appointment ban during the election period as one of the likely reasons for the extension of Marbil’s term. The election period began last January 12 and will end on June 11.
“So let’s just wait until June when that is lifted,” said Remulla.
“But let the President make the announcement, not me. That’s just an indication that it will happen.”
Remulla said he has an “excellent” working relationship with Marbil.
“I have high respect for him. In the last three months that I have been here (as DILG secretary), they’ve been doing a very good job,” Remulla said, referring to the PNP leadership.
Several senior officers are qualified to succeed Marbil as PNP chief.
Among them are PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, acting PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, and PNP chief directorial staff Lt. Gen. Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo.