Country’s top cop vows for peaceful polls in 2025

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

Legazpi City --- The country’s top cop, Police Gen. Rommel Francisco A. Marbil, has vowed to ensure a peaceful midterm poll in May 2025 by deploying more police officers on the streets nationwide.

Marbil told Bicol Mail that 85 percent of the country’s police force will be deployed to ensure peaceful elections next year.

“We always aim for peaceful elections. If the last or previous election was peaceful, it’s because we enforced 85 percent of our police force in the field for police visibility,” he said.

“We will ensure a peaceful election next year by deploying and ensuring the midterm election is safe, learning from previous elections,” he added.

Regarding peace and order and the country’s security, Marbil said that under the Bagong Pilipinas (referring to the Marcos administration), the police aim to keep people safe with the cooperation of local government units (LGUs) and the public. “We want to see people safe under the Bagong Pilipinas. We need the cooperation of LGUs and the people we serve. Please help us as we serve you. We are saddened if you are not happy with our service,” he told The Manila Times.

Marbil was in Legazpi City on Tuesday to attend the inauguration and consecration of the newly constructed Sto. Niño Chapel inside Camp BGen Simeon A. Ola. The chapel’s reconstruction began on September 11, 2023, and was completed in nine months under Marbil’s helm as former director for comptrollership and now CPNP. Marbil, along with Bicol Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon, received 17 patrol cars, including one Toyota Hilux, and four K9 English Cocker Spaniel narcotics dogs donated by Sorsogon Governor Edwin “Boboy” B. Hamor. The vehicles will be distributed to 15 municipal police stations, with type B and C stations receiving one Toyota Vios each. Type A police stations, such as those in Bulan and Sorsogon City, will receive two Toyota Vios each, and the Sorsogon provincial command will receive a Toyota Hilux.

In addition to the 17 new service vehicles for the 15 police stations in 15 towns, one city, and the provincial command, Hamor also donated four K9 dogs for the Sorsogon provincial command to support the PNP’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs. This initiative is part of the 7K Program under Gov. Hamor’s Katrangkiluhan program. The training package for the PNP personnel K9 handlers is worth P2,000,000.

Similarly, the PNP Bicol received 50 units of 5.56mm Basic Assault Rifles (BAR) “Galil” from the PNP Logistics to enhance the unit’s firepower capability. The firearms include complete accessories such as Ctg. Ball 5.56mm “SS109”, 30-round steel magazines, tactical slings, detachable forward grips, cleaning kits, and instructional manuals, and will be distributed across different police stations in Bicol.

“This is part of the One Unit One Platform issuance of long firearms to ensure uniformity, interchangeability, maintenance efficiency, standardized training, and improved safety and security. With these enhancements in mobility and firepower, PRO5 is committed to continuing its professional efforts toward achieving a safer and more peaceful region,” said Bicol Police Director Andre Dizon.

The PNP top cop also lauded Naga City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion for donating a 1,613-square-meter lot in Barangay Balatas, Naga City, for PNP’s building expansion. Similar recognition was given to Rogelio Peyra for donating a 1,106-square-meter lot in Barangay Sta. Teresita, Baao, Camarines Sur, for PNP infrastructure expansion.

Police Gen. Rommel Francisco A. Marbil visits the PNP Bicol regional command on Tuesday and vows to ensure safe and peaceful elections in May 2025. (RHaydz B. Barcia)