Breaking barriers: More female cops hold key PNP positions, Marbil says
More female police officers are holding key positions in the Philippine National Police (PNP), a significant improvement in the country’s law enforcement that defied traditional expectations according to Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
Currently, Marbil said the entire police force is composed of 20 percent female officers, or with a total of 42,757 female personnel serving in various capacities nationwide.
“This is 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,” said Marbil.
Based on existing recruitment rules that were emphasized by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in its memorandum issued in 2021, the PNP should allocate 10 percent of its annual recruitment quota to women.
There is a pending bill before the House of Representatives to increase the annual recruitment quota to at least 20 percent.
The female generals
Marbil said a total of 151 female officers hold key command and operational positions.
One of them is Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the first female PNP spokesperson who now also holds the record of being the first-ever female Regional Director. She is currently the director of the Police Regional Office 3, in Central Luzon.
Also, Police Brig. Gen. Jezebel D. Medina, holds the top post of the PNP Health Service while Police Brig. Gen Portia Manalad heads the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC).
Police Brig. Maria Leonora Camarao is now also the Regional Director of the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) in the National Capital Region while Police Col. Vina Guzman, the current PNP Academy Commandant of Cadets is expected to be promoted to one-star general as she holds a Brigadier General-equivalent position.
Women on the ground
Marbil said that two women now serve as chiefs of police in Makati City and Mandaluyong City while five female police officers currently hold the top PNP post in five provinces— Aurora, Guimaras, Antique, Siquijor, and Leyte Sur.
Zamboanga City, a critical urban hub, is under the command of a female City Director—Police Col. Kimberly Molitas.
Across various leadership levels, Marbil said a total of 103 police Colonels and 35 police Lieutenant Colonels hold strategic positions.
“These women are not just making history—they are shaping the future of policing. “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,” said Marbil.
Marbil also reaffirmed the PNP’s steadfast commitment to empowering female officers by ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement, leadership training, and professional growth.
He emphasized that the organization will continue to foster a culture where excellence—not gender—defines success.
“We do not measure leadership by gender. We judge it by action, by results, and by the ability to inspire others. Our female officers have proven time and again that they are more than capable of leading, commanding, and protecting our nation,” said Marbil.