MANILA – National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major General Debold Sinas issued an apology for his birthday celebration, which drew backlash for supposedly violating the ban on mass gathering and rule on physical distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sinas apologized for the “anxiety caused to the public” by the gathering but clarified that some of the photos that went viral online was from his previous birthday celebrations.
“Some of the pictures circulating in the social media were edited and grabbed from old posts. The pictures may depict itself however it does not define the totality of what really had happened,” Sinas said.
“Nevertheless, I apologize for what transpired during my birthday that caused anxiety to the public,” he added.
According to Sinas, it was never his intention to disobey any existing protocols amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Sinas explained that he was caught up with the mañanita conducted by some of NCRPO personnel “in their own volition.”
“In all actuality, my accommodation to them was done with all cautiousness because I am fully aware of the anti-COVID measures being implemented by the government,” Sinas said.
He assured the public that the NCRPO remains its adherence to the words and guidance of President Rodrigo Duterte and Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa.
Aside from the controversial gathering last May 8, Sinas has also reportedly held a relief operation in Tondo, Manila in which residents allegedly did not practice proper distancing.
Gamboa, earlier yesterday, has directed the PNP Internal Affairs Service to conduct an investigation on Sinas’ controversial mananita, a tradition in military and police to greet a commander celebrating his birthday ng commander at the early break of the morning.
Department of Justice secretary Menardo Guevarra have also tasked the National Bureau of Investigation to look on possible ECQ violations committed by those in the event./PN
