PNP chief denies having Baguio concert party

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa yesterday denied reports that he held a concert party at a naval base located in Baguio City as alleged by residents, but admitted to having dinner with PNP officials where he said social distancing and health protocols were observed.

Over the weekend, social media posts went viral, accusing Gamboa of bringing several police bodyguards who allegedly did not go through the border control checkpoint of the city.

The most circulated post was that of Baguio resident Clinton Balud’s earlier identified in news reports as a moderator of a citizens’ forum in Baguio – where he quoted a supposed resident living near the base.

“There is no truth to the allegations spreading on social media. For the record, there were only three vehicles, which is less than the PNP chief security protocol. All of us went through the triage as per the City of Baguio’s regulations,” Gamboa said in a statement.

“It is fake news,” Baguio City police director Col. Allen Co said, while confirming Gamboa and a group arrived in the city Thursday evening for a supposed Saturday testimonial parade for the retiring police official by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Gamboa is a member of the PMA’s class of 1986.

A supposed low-key testimonial parade was to be given to Gamboa at the PMA, Co added, “but as I understand it, in deference to the current situation, the leadership of the DND (Department of National Defense), AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the honoree himself decided to forgo with the activity.”

The PNP chief, set to retire next month, said there was no party or concert, contrary to complaints circulated online by residents – who lamented even the permission of a private event in the city, considering that some residents still find it difficult to re-enter Baguio amid strict quarantine protocols.

He, however, admitted to having a dinner that ended at 9:30 p.m. and assured the public that social distancing and other health protocols, particularly in the handling of food, were observed.

“Social distancing was strictly followed and the food was individually catered. My contingent and I stayed at the CPNP Cottage at the Navy Base the whole time,” he added.

Gamboa also cleared Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong of any irregularities in his visit to the city, after the latter came under fire from residents for supposedly giving “exemptions” to his “mistah” or schoolmate at the PMA.

“Mayor Benjie Magalong was well aware of my presence and our activities were duly coordinated. Today, Mayor Magalong and I had a meeting with the PNP officials from Baguio and Cordillera to brief me on the peace and order situation of the region,” the PNP chief said. – Artemio Dumlao