PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Mabil (PNA file photo by Lloyd Caliwan)
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil advocates for a major structural overhaul of the police force, shifting towards a modern, civilian-centric policing system that prioritizes accountability, efficiency, and stronger community engagement.
In a statement on Wednesday, Marbil proposed amending Republic Act 6975, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Act of 1990, to transition the PNP away from its militarized structure into a more agile and responsive law enforcement body.
Marbil emphasized that the current hierarchical, command-driven system was initially designed for a militarized force, yet the PNP’s core mandate is civilian.
“The PNP needs a flatter structure instead of a rigid, hierarchical one,” he stated. “This will speed up decision-making and strengthen local accountability.”
He noted that bureaucratic bottlenecks, slow response times, and diluted officer accountability stem from the top-down chain of command, often stifling innovation and limiting officers’ discretion on the ground.
“The existing ‘utos sa taas’ (orders from above) culture hinders responsiveness and prevents officers from making independent, effective decisions in real-time,” Marbil explained.
He believes the PNP can foster relationships with local communities, improve service delivery, and enhance transparency in law enforcement operations by flattening the organization.
Beyond reforms: A call for reorganization
Marbil acknowledged that previous reforms—especially those strengthening internal disciplinary mechanisms—have yielded positive results, but he asserted that a deeper, systemic change is needed.
“We have made significant progress in discipline and operations, but restructuring the organization is the next logical step to address long-standing inefficiencies,” he said.
With his mandatory retirement set for February 7, Marbil underscored the urgency of implementing these changes, emphasizing that reorganization—not just incremental reforms—should be the priority moving forward.
“Reorganizing the PNP is not just about improving operational efficiency; it’s about ensuring that we fulfill our duty as protectors of the people while setting the highest standards of governance,” he concluded.
Marbil, appointed as the 30th PNP chief on April 1, 2024, will leave office, having laid the groundwork for a potentially transformative shift in the country’s law enforcement structure. However, whether his vision for a civilian-centric PNP will materialize remains to be seen.
