PNP backs plan to reduce number of generals

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THE Philippine National Police yesterday said it supports the move of Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla to reduce the number of police generals to just 25 from 133.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the PNP is advocating for a streamlined organization, including the deactivation of some units headed by generals.

“One thing that we want to assure our SILG (secretary of interior and local government) is we fully support his desire to streamline and further improve the administrative and operational capabilities of the PNP,” said Fajardo.

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On Tuesday, Remulla said he wants the number of PNP generals trimmed down to 25, from the current 133, noting that the police force is “ “top-heavy,” with many police generals not having actual “commands” or occupying redundant positions.

Fajardo clarified there are only 111 police generals now, including PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

Fajardo noted Marbil’s earlier statement urging lawmakers to amend the law that created the PNP in 1991. He said there is a need to restructure the PNP to address systemic challenges that impede their ability to respond swiftly and effectively.

Fajardo also said the PNP reform bill, which President Marcos Jr vetoed in July, specified their recommendation to deactivate units currently held by generals.

“So that (Remulla’s remarks) is attuned to the desire of the PNP to lessen positions that require the rank of general (as head),” said Fajardo.

Fajardo said the PNP remains committed to lessen the number of units in the PNP, including the deactivation the five Area Police Commands. She said the PNP is crafting an interim PNP organization structure, and consultations are being conducted with police generals.

“The PNP is willing to sit down to consult and dialogue with the SILG so that he would see the wisdom behind the proposed interim organization of the PNP which is aimed at really streamlining and further improving the administration and operational capability of the PNP,” said Fajardo.

Asked if reducing the number of PNP generals to just 25 is feasible, Fajardo just said, “I don’t want to preempt and give a categorical answer if 25 is feasible.”

But Fajardo noted that the Armed Forces, which she said has around 160,000 personnel, has 120 generals. She said the PNP has 230,000 personnel at present with 111 generals.

“These are the considerations we would like to present and discuss with the SILG in the hope he will consider in his plan. Anyway, the SILG said these are just plans,” said Fajardo.

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