THE Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership headed by General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has assured that despite the forthcoming move to abolish their five Area Police Commands (APC)s, no officer or men assigned in those units would be displaced.

“We have anticipated retirements in the coming weeks, if not months. Definitely, for those generals who will be affected by the deactivation of the APCs, they would be included in the personnel who are projected to fill up some vacancies,” PNP spokesperson, Brigadier Gen. Jean S. Fajardo said.

She was referring to the 3rd-Level and 2nd-Level Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers assigned at the Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, Eastern Mindanao and Western Mindanao APCs.

The National Police Commission chaired by Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ C. Remulla Jr. earlier moved to deactivate the five APCs which were previously known as the PNP Directorate for Integrated Police Operations as part of the rightsizing of all the agencies under the Executive branch.

Previously, the five were headed by Police Lieutenant Generals or 3-Star Generals. Their 2nd in command is a Major General while their Executive Officers are Brigadier Generals.

Brig. Gen. Fajardo said that with the latest development, at least 158 2nd-Level Officers with the rank of Lieutenant Colonels down and 26 3rd-Level Officers with the rank of Lieutenant General down to Colonel would be affected by the move.

The PNP spokesperson and concurrent Police Regional Office 3 director in Central Luzon however explained that Gen. Marbil has pushed for a gradual transition to ensure that third level officers would be designated to the right positions.

“Supposedly, it is set to be implemented within this month but the Chief PNP requested more time to ensure that none of the affected personnel will be displaced,” she explained. Brig. Gen. Fajardo said those affected by the APCs’ deactivation might be transferred to the newly created Police Regional Office 8 or the Negros Island Region. “In the NIR alone, a big number of personnel can be accommodated there, including third level positions such as the regional director, the deputies and the provincial directors. We also have the regional staff. These are positions that should be occupied by third level officers,” she said.

The PNP spokesperson also said that 2nd-Level Officers assigned in the five APCs can also be accommodated in other regions and even in the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame.

“Once we dissolve these APCs, we can also save funds and we can realign these funds intended for APCs for our priority projects that could further improve or enhance the operational capabilities of our regional offices,” she said.

Based on the Napolcom resolution dated Dec. 27, 2024, the deactivation of APCs shall involve transfer/placement of personnel, transition of funds, pertinent documents, equipment, firearms, vehicles, facilities, other assets and legal liabilities.

The Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board (SOPPB) shall be responsible for the placement of the 3rd-Level Officers who will be affected by the deactivation of the five APCs

“The Directorate for Operations shall continually assume the supervision and operational control over the PROs (Police Regional Office) in the performance of their taking cognizance of the functions as a result of the deactivation of the APCs, according to established functional relationships, line of authority and coordination as provided in the PNP organizational structure,” the resolution read.

The APCs which were formerly known as the DIPOs were created to synchronize the force’s operations with the military which has the same number of area commands.

During a PNP Command Conference presided over by Gen. Marbil last January 8, the PNP spokesperson said that it was agreed that those who will be affected by the APC deactivation will be transferred to other units.

However, the challenge is where to transfer the 3rd-Level Officials in the APCs since all the top positions in the PNP hierarchy are already filled up.

Brig. Gen. Fajardo however said that those officials may be considered to replace a number of senior PNP officials who will be retiring in the coming days.

Gen. Marbil, she added has also requested a slow transition period to give them enough time to position the affected APC generals and colonels. Supposed to be, the deactivation of the APCs would take effect this month but the top cop requested the Napolcom for more time.

DUPLICATION OF FUNCTION REASON BEHIND DEACTIVATION

Brig. Gen. Fajardo said that one of the consideration why the PNP pushed for the dissolution of the five APCs is ‘duplication of function.’

“With respect to the functions of these APCs, their functions can be observed by the Police Regional Offices. Definitely, the primary reason is duplication of functions. Definitely, makakatipid ang PNP in terms of resources and logistical and manpower resources and we can realign funds intended for APCs for our priority projects,” she said.

The official said that the stand of the PNP leadership is that there is ‘an urgent need to dissolve the APCs’ which supposedly have the responsibility in internal security operations and disaster-related operations in regions under their administrative supervision.

She also said that in line with the interim offices being pushed by Gen. Marbil, the 3-star rank will also be limited to members of the PNP Command Group. She explained that Gen. Marbil is inclined to push for a PNP Deputy Chief for Operations, a PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, a PNP Deputy Chief for Investigation and a PNP Deputy Chief for Information and Communications Technology who will supervised their anti-cybercrime campaign.

She also hinted that there is a possibility that some PNP offices will also be ‘merged’ into one unit.

Gen. Marbil, during the 1st PNP Command Conference for 2025 assured the public of their readiness to keep peace and order during the May 12 National and Local Elections.

During his talk to his men, the top cop focused on organization efficiency, resource allocation and their security measures for the mid-term polls. The meeting was joined by Gen. Marbil’s Command Group, Directors of National Support Units and the 17 Police Regional Offices and other senior PNP officers called to chart the force’s strategic direction for the year ahead.

Gen. Marbil also provided critical guidance aimed at ensuring the efficient implementation of PNP programs and enhancing organizational performance.

Among the key topics discussed was the implementation of the PNP Interim Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern, emphasizing specialization and the elimination of overlapping functions.

The PNP chief also said that while the deactivation of their five Area Police Commands (APCs) will not occur immediately, he stressed the need for a smooth transition to optimize operations.

Addressing resource challenges, Gen. Marbil announced the redistribution of their assets to strengthen field operations.

“Maraming kulang na sasakyan sa baba. We are downloading vehicles to the regions to address mobility challenges,” he said, while adding that there will be close monitoring of all resources, proper allocation of the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and equitable distribution of fuel supplies to operational units.

Gen. Marbil also called for heightened accountability and efficiency, urging all his commanders to fast-track the implementation of PNP programs and to foster specialization among personnel to elevate the quality of police service.

He likewise emphasized the role of Regional Directors and unit commanders in maintaining public trust and preserving the integrity of the organization.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon