MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulated retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. for a job well done as he welcomed Police Major General Rommel Francisco Marbil as the 30th Chief of the national police force.

“So, for all these and more, I congratulate and salute General Acorda for a job well done,” President Marcos said in his speech during the change of command and retirement honors for Acorda at the Camp Brig. Gen. Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City.

President Marcos cited the “Five-Focused Agenda” of Acorda, which guided the police force towards more honest law enforcement operations, enhanced information technology capabilities, and stronger community relations.

He added the PNP’s efforts in combating various forms of crime have yielded tangible results, which exhibited the diligence of the officers and personnel, as well as the effectiveness of the programs of national police.

President Marcos also noted an OCTA Research survey last year, which recognized the PNP as the 3rd Highest Performing and Most Trusted among 25 government agencies in the second quarter of 2023, receiving a 76 percent trust rating.

“This indicates the public’s increasing trust and confidence in the police force,” he said.

More than the usual memorabilia and the typical testimonials, President Marcos believes that the best send-off that the PNP can give to Acorda is the pledge to exceed what he has done during his watch and continue the good work he has begun.

“I am sure nothing will make General Benjie Acorda happier than seeing the organization he loves so much able to outdo all the previous achievements of the PNP,” he said.

To the incoming newly appointed PNP Chief, President Marcos extended his full confidence and support to his leadership as he begins to champion a police that is pro-God, pro-country, pro-people, and pro-environment.

President Marcos also asked Marbil to work closely with the government in addressing “emerging threats, such as cybercrime, terrorism, and transnational crimes.”

“We shall continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and give the finest service to our beloved citizens. Let us now ensure that the PNP will be agents of progressive transformation in the lives of our people by ensuring the safety and well-being of every community in the land,” he said.

For his part, Marbil assured President Marcos that he will fulfill his promise to the Filipino people, as he relived his inauguration speech to have a “Bagong Pilipinas” that has a strong economy, orderly community and well organized and efficient police force.

“Ang pangarap ko, ay pangarap niyo rin. Matatag na ekonomiya, maayos na lipunan at maayos na kapulisan – yan po unang kataga na sinabi ng Presidente during the inauguration. Ang masasabi ko po your Excellency, sir, matutupad po,” Marbil said.

“Dito sa Bagong Pilipinas, isa lang ang gusto ng Pulis, ligtas ka,” he added.

Marbil, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1991, thanked President Marcos for his trust and confidence in his leadership.

Before his appointment Marbil was the head of the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership and served as the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), and Director of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), among others. (PND)