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| Photo courtesy of Abogado |
National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj Gen Debold
Sinas will be facing a criminal case over his controversial birthday party,
Malacañang said Thursday.
The NCRPO chief drew criticisms on social media for
celebrating his birthday despite restrictions on mass gatherings during enhanced
community quarantine (ECQ).
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, based on
his phone conversation with Philippine National Police chief PGen Archie
Gamboa, said a criminal case is "now being readied" and is expected
be filed on Friday against Sinas and other senior police officials who attended
the party.
"...A criminal case is now being readied to be filed
tomorrow against NCRPO Chief Debold Sinas, along with other senior police
officials who attended the gathering," Roque said.
Roque added that the PNP is likewise seeking clearance from
the Office of the President regarding the possible filing of administrative
charges against the alleged quarantine violators.
"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," the spokesperson
noted.
PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac confirmed the impending
charges to be filed by the PNP Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS).
"Filing of charges will be done by the IAS (Internal
Affairs Service), which is now finalizing its investigation," Gen.
Banac said in a text message to media.
According to the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, violation of
quarantine and social distancing rules carry penalties of up to 2 months in
prison and/or a fine of P10,000 to P1 million.
Earlier, Roque said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea
ordered the PNP-IAS to forward the results of the probe to the Palace.
The photos initially uploaded on the Facebook page of NCRPO's
public information office showed police officers were seen giving Sinas roses
and cakes, while Metro Manila's police chief joined his guests seated at
various tables.
This drew outrage from both netizens and lawmakers for having a "double standard" and "insensitivity" of the police
officers for allowing the gathering while the country is under lockdown due to
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sinas has apologized for the incident, however, he insisted that
there is "nothing wrong" with the gathering since they followed
proper social distancing and health measures were followed during the celebration.
He added he will not take a leave of absence from his post unless ordered by Gamboa or President Rodrigo Duterte himself.
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