DAVAO CITY — A criminal case against National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj Gen Debold Sinas awaits the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte over his controversial birthday gathering, said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday.
Roque revealed that his recent conversation with Philippine National Police chief PGen Archie Gamboa, said a criminal case is “now being readied” and is expected to be filed on Friday against Sinas and other senior police officials who attended the feast.
A clearance from the Office of the President is needed because Sinas is a third level officer and a presidential appointee.
This developed as reports stated that Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he will ask the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into possible violations of quarantine protocols during the birthday of Sinas.
“There is already an existing order to the NBI to investigate violations of quarantine protocols,” Guevarra told reporters in a text message.
Roque in a message sent to reporters said the PNP is likewise seeking clearance from the Office of the President regarding the possible filing of administrative charges against the alleged quarantine violators.
Roque stressed “Maj. Gen. Sinas is a third level officer and a presidential appointee; hence, a clearance from the OP is needed for the filing of administrative charges of the PNP. The same applies to the senior police officials who are also presidential appointees.”
Sinas celebrated his birthday on May 8 with a so-called surprise birthday celebration which was highlighted by a “mañanita” or early morning serenade, with dozens of people involved.
Some Police officers said Sinas mañanita is part of the tradition among Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduates. Photos posted on the Facebook page of NCRPO showed people giving officer roses and cakes while some top police officers were seated in a round table with other guests.
Netizens criticized the act stating among others the selective implementation of the Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ) guidelines which involve Sinas’ organization. Some netizens described the act as insensitive and total violation of the law.
Sinas has since apologized but said he will not leave his post unless ordered by PNP Chief Archie Gamboa and President Duterte.-NewsLIne
