PNP CHIEF Gen. Archie Gamboa on Tuesday said he will investigate the recent birthday celebration of National Capital Region police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, which was attended by dozens of personnel in violation of mass gathering protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The party, which celebrated Sinas’ 55th birthday, was held last Friday at the NCRPO headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig and was highlighted by a “mañanita” (early morning serenade).
The public information office of the NCRPO posted on its Facebook page several photos from the party, including that of Sinas wearing an orange T-shirt and brown shorts, being presented with a gift, cake and roses. A band performed during the event.
“Kung meron man (if there was a party), then I will look into it but as of yet, I still trust Gen. Sinas,” Gamboa said in a virtual press briefing.
“Alam natin na napakahirap nung trabaho niya sa (we all know he has a difficult job at) NCRPO but nevertheless it is not an excuse for him not to follow the simple health protocols and of course we encourage him to do so,” said Gamboa.
One of the pictures showed Sinas without a face mask, seated on a table with six other men.
Gamboa said he has spoken to Sinas to shed light on the incident.
“Una, walang party na nangyari. Ang sabi ni Gen. Sinas, probably nagkaroon ng mañanita. (First, no party was held. Gen. Sinas said probably there was mañanita),” Gamboa said, adding he does not think quarantine guidelines were violated in holding the mañanita.
Gamboa said Sinas told him that social distancing was observed during the event.
Gamboa added that Sinas, accompanied by cops from police stations in Metro Manila, distributed relief goods to poor families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“And he assured me that physical distancing was observed during that time (relief distribution),” said Gamboa.
