Police order probe of general in controversial birthday celeb

AFTER DEFENDING his embattled general for allegedly partying in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, Philippine police chief Archie Gamboa now ordered an investigation into the celebration following widespread public criticisms.

Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa

Major General Debold Sinas (in orange t-shirt) with police officers.

Gamboa said he ordered the Internal Affairs Service to take the lead in the investigation of Major General Debold Sinas, commander of police forces in the National Capital Region, and other police officers who attended his recent birthday gathering to ensure impartiality and preclude any perception of influence over the outcome of the inquiry.

He said Sinas and other officers will be made to answer for their individual culpability that will be determined by a swift and impartial investigation to satisfy the requirements of due process.

“I expect to receive a complete investigation report of the incident by tomorrow. Per initial assessment, there is probable cause for the filing of criminal and administrative charges in relation to quarantine health protocols. IAS personnel are now in NCRPO gathering affidavits as support documents to file these cases,” Gamboa said on Thursday.

For the administrative cases, Gamboa said they will be transmitted for approval by the Office of the President because Sinas is a presidential appointee.

“We shall refrain from issuing further statements in deference to the proceedings. Allow the investigation to take its due course and respect our prerogative to exercise command management of the PNP," Gamboa said.

“The PNP’s role in our government’s fight against the Covid-19 crisis is critical. The transition from ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) to MECQ (moderate community quarantine) to GCQ (general community quarantine) will entail greater vigilance on our part to keep the Filipino public safe. The incident, while unfortunate, is isolated and should not undermine the sacrifice of our own front liners,” he added.

Last Tuesday, Gamboa defended Sinas from criticisms after he was accused of breaching health and quarantine protocols when he celebrated his birthday last week at their office.

“Una, walang partying nangyari ang sabi ni General Sinas. Probably nagkaroon ng mañanita (tradition where the celebration is usually done in the middle of the night or early hours of the morning) pero doon sa mañanita ang sabi ni General Sinas is that in-observed pa rin nila yun mga social distancing (practice). Now, I don't think na meron namang violation ito,” he said.

Sinas apologized for what had happened, but insisted it never broke any quarantine guidelines or protocols. (Mindanao Examiner)

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