President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to announce soon the successor to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, whose extension as the country’s top cop will expire on June 7.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President is in the process of selecting the next PNP chief.
Among those being considered for the post are PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief directorial staff Lt. Gen. Edgar Allan Okubo, National Capital Region Police Office Director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
“Ang mga nabanggit po ninyong pangalan ay pulos po lahat iyan ay may integridad at magagaling (The names of the frontrunners as Marbil’s replacement all have integrity and ability),” Castro said.
“Sa ngayon po ay wala pa pong ipinapaabot sa atin. Hintayin na lang po natin ang announcement ng Pangulo patungkol diyan (But as of now, we still await word from the President. An announcement will be made to you as soon as the President reached a decision).”
While all four are seasoned officers, Torre has emerged as the most likely successor, according to insiders and observers familiar with the selection process, citing his track record that includes high-profile operations such as the implementation of arrest warrants against Apollo Quiboloy and former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Meanwhile, Nartatez, though the second highest-ranking officer in the PNP, has faced scrutiny over his perceived closeness to Senator Imee Marcos.
Okubo and Aberin remain respected figures within the organization and are considered capable managers.
Marcos extended the term of Marbil by four months effective Feb. 7, 2025, his retirement day, to ensure stability during the 2025 midterm elections.