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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 15) – Metro Manila Police Chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas and several subordinates were accused on Friday of organizing a birthday party on May 8 despite strict quarantine rules, the Philippine National Police said.
The PNP Internal Affairs Service filed criminal charges with the Taguig City Prosecutor against Sinas and his colleagues, who surprised him with a “morning” banquet on May 8 to honor the head of the Police Office of the National Capital Region on its special day.
They are charged for not following the quarantine rules according to the Law 11332 of the Republic or the Law of Mandatory Reports of Notification Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern.
The dawn serenade is said to be a tradition in command described as a mass gathering, the PNP-IAS said, which is prohibited since Metro Manila remains under blockade due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sinas is a third-level officer and is considered a presidential designee. The PNP has been tasked with monitoring checkpoints and making regular rounds to detain people outside their homes without quarantine passes, as well as those who are said to violate physical distancing protocols.
Sinas apologized for the incident, but said he found “nothing wrong” at the meeting, saying that the guests followed social distancing and appropriate health measures. The photos that went viral on social media showed a group of policemen in casual outfits huddled around tables, gifting roses to the PNP official and blowing candles on birthday cakes for the occasion.
The IAS was ordered to investigate the party that Sinas denied being a “party,” saying it was a surprise that it would be “un-chivalrous” for him to decline.
PNP spokesman Bernard Banac said the PNP is “sensitive to public opinion” and criticism of the meeting, prompting the police force to press charges.
If found guilty, these violations may warrant possible suspension and even termination of service. However, PNP Chief General Archie Gamboa may choose not to relieve Sinas from service, as it would be difficult to implement a change of command amid the coronavirus crisis, Banac added.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
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