Rising Number of Women in Philippine Police Force Signals Progress in Law Enforcement

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is witnessing a transformative shift as the number of female officers continues to rise, indicating a significant enhancement in the nation’s law enforcement, according to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. Currently, the PNP boasts 42,757 female officers, making up 20 percent of its total force of over 200,000 personnel. Marbil highlighted this as a clear sign of the PNP’s dedication to gender equality and professional excellence, stating that women are not just participants but are pivotal in driving the force’s evolution. The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has set a recruitment goal of 10 percent for women annually, with a bill pending in the House of Representatives to raise this to 20 percent. Marbil pointed out that 151 female officers are in key command and operational roles, demonstrating their leadership and impact on the future of policing. Notable figures include Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the first female PNP spokesperson and now the Regional Director for Central Luzon, and Brig. Gen. Jezebel D. Medina, who leads the PNP Health Service. Other prominent women in leadership include Brig. Gen. Portia Manalad of the Women and Children Protection Center, Brig. Gen. Maria Leonora Camarao of the Internal Affairs Service in the National Capital Region, and Col. Vina Guzman, the PNP Academy Commandant of Cadets, who is set for promotion to one-star general. Across various ranks, 103 police colonels and 35 police lieutenant colonels hold strategic positions. Additionally, women lead as chiefs of police in Makati and Mandaluyong Cities, and as top PNP officials in five provinces: Aurora, Guimaras, Antique, Siquijor, and Leyte Sur. Zamboanga City is also under the command of a female City Director, Col. Kimberly Molitas. Marbil reiterated the PNP’s commitment to empowering its female officers through equal opportunities for career advancement, leadership training, and professional development, emphasizing a culture where success is defined by excellence, not gender.