Marbil highlights women power on police force
PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil yesterday highlighted the “women power” in the 232,000-strong police force as he cited the indispensable role of female police officers in shaping the future of law enforcement.
According to the top cop, women now make up nearly 20 percent of the entire force, with 42,757 female personnel serving in various capacities nationwide—a testament to the PNP’s commitment to gender equality and professional excellence.
“No longer are women just part of the PNP—they are driving its transformation.Their leadership, dedication, and courage have become vital forces in our mission to uphold peace, order, and justice,” the PNP chief said.
Breaking barriers and defying traditional expectations, according to PNP Public Information Office chief, Colonel Randulf T. Tuaño, female officers have stepped into critical leadership roles once dominated by their male counterparts.
They are now commanding field operations, heading specialized units, and making high-stakes decisions that impact national security and public safety, he said.
Gen. Marbil said 151 female officers hold key command and operational positions, proving that leadership is not defined by gender but by skill, integrity, and determination.
Among the top-ranking women in the PNP are four female police generals leading major divisions namely Brigadier Gen. Jezebel D. Medina, the diirector of the PNP Health Service; Brig. Gen.Portia B. Manalad, the director of the PNP Women and Children Protection Center Brig. Gen. Jean S. Fajardo, the first-ever female officer to become a Police Regional Office director in Central Luzon and Brig. Gen. Maria Leonora Regional Director now leading Police Regional Office 3; and Brig. Gen Maria Leonora C. Camarao, the regional director of the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) in the National Capital Region.
Additionally, Col. Vina H. Guzman holds a Brigadier General-equivalent position as Commandant of Cadets at the PNP Academy (PNPA), where she plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of police officers.
Beyond headquarters, female officers are leading security operations on the ground, proving their capability in the toughest assignments. Two women now serve as Chiefs of Police in Makati City and Mandaluyong City
.Five female Provincial Directors oversee the safety and security of entire provinces — Aurora, Guimaras, Antique, Siquijor, and Leyte Sur.
Zamboanga City, a critical urban hub, is under the command of Col. Kimberly E. Molitas while the chief of the Mandaluyong City Police Station is Col. Mary Grace R. Madayag.
Across various leadership levels, 103 Police Colonels and 35 Police Lieutenant Colonels hold strategic positions, demonstrating the undeniable rise of women in the PNP hierarchy.
“These women are not just making history—they are shaping the future of policing,” Gen. Marbil said.
“They have shattered ceilings, proven their mettle, and are leading from the frontlines. Leadership is not about gender; it is about competence, vision, and the unwavering commitment to serve,” he added.
