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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) – Chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, Major General Debold Sinas, will face a criminal case for his controversial birthday meeting, Malacañang said Thursday.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, citing a recent conversation with Philippine National Police Chief PGen Archie Gamboa, said a criminal case is “under preparation” and is expected to be filed on Friday against Sinas and other top officials of the police who attended the party.
In a message to reporters, Roque said that the PNP is also seeking authorization from the Office of the President regarding the possible filing of administrative charges against the alleged quarantine offenders.
“Major General Sinas is a third-level officer and a person appointed by the presidency; therefore, an authorization from the OP is required for the filing of PNP administrative charges. The same applies to senior police officers who they are also people appointed by the presidency. ” the spokesman pointed out.
Sinas was previously criticized after photos of his surprise birthday celebration on May 8, which he had branded as a simple “morning” or morning serenade, appeared on social media this week.
In the photos initially uploaded to the NCRPO public information office Facebook page, police officers were seen giving roses and cakes to Sinas, while Metro Manila’s main police officer mingled with the guests seated in various tables.
Netizens and lawmakers alike have criticized the alleged “double standards” and “insensitivity” of police officers for allowing the meeting while most parts of the country are blocked due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Since then, Sinas has apologized for the incident, but said he found “nothing wrong” at the meeting, saying that the guests followed social distancing and appropriate health measures. He added that he will not take a leave of absence from his post, unless ordered by Gamboa or President Rodrigo Duterte himself.
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