ditowins Marbil may keep post until June – Remulla

MANILAditowins, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil is likely to have his term extended until June, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Wednesday.

While there is no formal announcement yet from Malacañang, Remulla said Marbil would possibly stay in his post amid the upcoming midterm elections.

“But let the President be the one to announce that. These are just indications. The reshuffle of personnel has been completed. So appointing a new PNP chief would be ineffective,” Remulla said.

“The biggest reason I think (for a term extension) is the midterm elections. You cannot shake things up now since the campaign period is about to start,” he added.

Malacañang suspendsedwork in government offices and classes at all levels in Region V (Bicol Region) on October 24. 

At least 32,000 people have fled their homes in the northern Philippines, police said, as the storm edges closer to the Southeast Asian country's main island of Luzon.

Marbil will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Feb. 7.

The election period started on Jan. 12 and will run until June 11. During this timeditowins, the PNP is tasked with ensuring peace and order, particularly in identified poll hotspots.