PNP chief defends Sinas birthday feast

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa yesterday defended his top police commander in Metro Manila, who held a birthday feast amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Gamboa said he would not reprimand National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, who celebrated his birthday on May 8 with his troops at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

According to Gamboa, what happened was not a party but a “mañanita” or surprise birthday serenade.

“Walang party nangyari, ang sabi ni General Sinas. Probably nagkaroon ng mañanita,” Gamboa said during a virtual press briefing.

Gamboa said health safety protocols such as physical distancing and wearing of face masks were observed during the activity.

However, photographs taken at the event showed the attendees crowding at a buffet table. Some of the people present also had no face masks.

Mass gathering is banned under the ECQ to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from spreading and police have arrested people who violated quarantine measures laid out by the national government.

As far as Gamboa is concerned, Sinas did not violate quarantine protocols when he celebrated his birthday.

“I don’t think na meron violation ito,” the country’s top cop said.

Gamboa reminded the public that birthday parties are prohibited in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Mass gatherings are banned in Metro Manila and other areas which are under ECQ unless the government changes its guidelines.

“As of ngayon, bawal kasi wala pa naman nilalabas na detailed policy about this,” he said.