Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has noted that the increasing number of PNP female police officers reflects the significant improvement in the country’s law enforcement service formerly dominated by male officials,
Marbil said 42,757 or 20% the PNP’s more than 200,000 personnel are female officers serving in various capacities. “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,” he said.
Based on existing recruitment rules 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 now a pending bill before the House of Representatives to increase the annual recruitment quota to at least 20%.
Marbil said 151 female officers currently hold key command and operational positions. “They 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,” he stressed.
One of the PNP’s leading female officers PBrig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the first female PNP spokesperson who now also holds the record of being the first-ever female Regional Director. She is the concurrent director of the Police Regional Office in Region 3 (Central Luzon).
Brig. Gen. Jezebel D. Medina also holds the top post of the PNP Health Service while Police Brig. Gen Portia Manalad heads the Women and Children Protection Center.
Brig. Gen. Maria Leonora Camarao is now also the Regional Director of the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) in the National Capital Region while Col. Vina Guzman, the current PNP Academy Commandant of Cadets is expected to be promoted to one-star general shortly.
Across various leadership levels, Marbil said a total of 103 female police colonels and 35 police lieutenant colonels now hold strategic positions. Two of them now serve as chiefs of police in Makati City and Mandaluyong City while five others currently hold the top PNP post in five provinces — Guimaras, Aurora, Antique, Southern Leyte and Siquijor.
Zamboanga City, a critical urban hub, is under the command of a female City Director — Col. Kimberly Molitas.
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 stressed that the PNP will continue to promote a system and culture where excellence and not gender defines success.