Marbil wants to reorganize PNP to remove ‘systemic flaws’

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil wants to reorganize the law enforcement agency to “cure systemic flaws.” “It’s about time that reorganization, not reforms, be given due notice,” Marbil said in a statement on Wednesday. “The PNP needs to adopt a flatter structure instead of a hierarchical one. A flatter

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil speaks during a gun show and tactical event in Mandaluyong City on June 20, 2024. (INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA) MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen.

Rommel Marbil wants to reorganize the law enforcement agency to “cure systemic flaws.” “It’s about time that reorganization, not reforms, be given due notice,” Marbil said in a statement on Wednesday. “The PNP needs to adopt a flatter structure instead of a hierarchical one.

A flatter organization will allow quicker decision-making and ensure firmer accountability,” he noted. “We have made great strides with reforms in discipline and operational systems, but reorganization is the next logical step to cure the age-old systemic flaws,” the PNP chief added. Marbil also called the structure of the PNP “militaristic” with an “utos sa taas” (order from the top) culture.

He proposed amending Republic Act No. 6975 or the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Act of 1990 to transform the national police force and make it “modern [and] civilian-centric.” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla made a similar proposal when he took office last October, suggesting to reduce the number of generals within the PNP.

READ: DILG’s Remulla suggests trimming down number of PNP generals “Reorganizing the PNP is not just about improving operational efficiency. It’s about ensuring that we uphold our role as protectors of the people and exemplars of good governance,” Marbil said. READ: Marbil vows ’tech-driven, apolitical’ PNP in 2025 Marbil previously vowed to modernize the PNP in 2025.

READ: DILG’s Remulla ‘indicates’ PNP chief Marbil may extend post until June The current PNP chief is expected to retire when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 this coming February 7. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .

But Remulla said there were “indications” that Marbil’s term would be extended until June, after the 2025 national and local elections..