THE ‘girl power’ of the Philippine National Police here and abroad has been recognized in celebration of the recent 2025 National Women’s Month.

PNP chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil last week underscored their commitment to gender equality, inclusivity and empowerment.

Given the Leadership Achievement Award for their exceptional leadership and service were PNP Health Service director, Brigadier Gen. Jezebel D. Medina; PNP Women and Children Protection Center director, Brig. Gen. Portia B. Manalad; PNP Internal Affairs Service-National Capital Region head, Brig. Gen. Maria Leonora C. Camarao; Police Regional Office 3 director and concurrent PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Jean S. Fajardo; and PNP Academy Cadette 1st Class Justine Jade A. Calpahi.

Another female police officer recognized by the organization were Lieutenant Colonel Jhoanna Gracia Manlapaz-Fabro, currently the Deputy Contingent Commander and Planning Budget Officer for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Lt. Col. Manlapaz-Fabro said that being a UN peacekeeper is both an honor and a challenge because it requires perseverance, sacrifice and resilience.

“Never stop pushing forward. The world needs more women in leadership in peacekeeping and in decision-making. You are strong, capable and worthy.

Keep fighting, keep learning and claim your space. There is always a place for you,” the UNMISS official said in a message to young girls and women.

She also said that the United Nations really has made strides in empowering women and creating opportunities for women to lead.

“However, within my own contingent, being a woman and a junior officer meant constantly proving my worth.

In a male-dominated environment, trust wasn’t immediate-but through resilience and competence, I’ve shown that leadership is defined by ability, not by rank or by gender,” she said.

Also cited were the Police Regional Office headed by Brig. Gen. Lou F. Evangelista; PRO2 headed by Brig. Gen. Antonio P. Marallag Jr.; the PRO4-A headed by Brig. Gen. Kenneth Paul T. Lucas; the PRO6 headed by Brig. Gen. Jack L. Wanky and the PRO11 headed by Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Z. Rosete.

National Police Commission Commissioner Beatrice Auroga A. Vega-Cancio underscored the vital role of women in governance, law enforcement and nation-building when she spoke during the program.

The event had the theme, “We for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society–Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

The Napolcom official called for collective action to ensure women’s active participation in shaping the country’s future.

“As we celebrate Women’s Month, we not only recognize the significance of being a woman but also the collective achievements of women in building better communities.

The progress made within the PNP extends beyond internal reforms—it uplifts the women we serve and protect, embodying the core values of commitment, integrity and service to every Filipino,” she said.

Gen. Marbil, who was represented by PNP Director for Police-Community Relations, Major Gen. Roderick Augustus B. Alba, highlighted the invaluable contribution of women in law enforcement and their ongoing effort to create a workplace that recognizes and supports female officers.

“The PNP upholds gender inclusivity as both policy and principle. Our policewomen are not just equal partners but vital leaders in law enforcement, breaking barriers and redefining leadership,” he said.

“Let this celebration serve as a reminder that your service, your sacrifices and your leadership are invaluable.

You are not just part of this nation’s story—you are the heart of it.

Ang bawat babaeng Pilipina may mahalagang papel sa pag-angat ng ating bayan tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Gen. Marbil added.

Gen. Marbil 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 PNP chief, 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.

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 that today, 151 female officers hold key command and operational positions, proving that leadership is not defined by gender but by skill, integrity and determination.

Apart from Brigadier Generals Medina, Manalad, Camarao and Fajardo, who became the first-ever female officer to become a Police Regional Office director in Central Luzon, Col. Vina H. Guzman holds a Brigadier General-equivalent position as Commandant of Cadets at the PNP Academy (PNPA).

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.

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.

“We do not measure leadership by gender. We judge it by action, by results, and by the ability to inspire others,” the PNP chief said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon