PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr has chosen the successor of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil whose extended tour of duty is due to end on June 7, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said in an ambush interview yesterday.
However, Remulla said the next PNP chief is an “excellent choice.” He declined to name the officer, saying the president would make the announcement.
“(He is) very qualified, very dynamic, good track record. He is okay,” said Remulla in Filipino during an ambush interview.
Marbil was supposed to bow out of the service last February 7 upon reaching the retirement age of 56 but the president extended his tour of duty by four months or until June 7 because of the midterm election which was held on May 12.
Several officers were earlier reported to be the top contenders to be the next PNP chief, including PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez.
The others are PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, Chief of the Directorial Staff Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin.
Marbil earlier said all brigadier generals, major generals, lieutenant generals are qualified to succeed him.
“They have their own strengths and weaknesses (but) they are capable of leading the PNP. They are all good. I can assure you these people are really good,” Marbil has said.
Yesterday, Marbil said he did not recommend a successor, stressing that all the police generals are very good and are capable of leading the police force.
“All (generals) are capable. All the three-stars, all the two-stars, all the one-stars can lead the PNP anytime,” said Marbil, referring to the lieutenant generals, major generals and brigadier generals of the PNP.
Marbil urged his successor to continue the programs that the PNP is implementing now.
“Just follow the reforms, continue it and just improve it,” said Marbil.
