PNP chief Gamboa to look into Sinas’ bday celeb where social distancing allegedly not observed

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Tuesday said he would check if National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas had violated quarantine protocols when he supposedly had a party and distributed relief items in Tondo, Manila during his birthday last week.

At a virtual press briefing, Gamboa, however, said that at present, he does not see any violation committed by the Metro Manila's top cop.

"Una walang party ang nangyari ang sabi ni General Sinas, probably nagkaroon ng mañanita pero doon sa mañanita, ang sabi [ni] General Sinas is that inobserve pa rin nila 'yung mga social distancing," Gamboa said.

"Now, I don't think naman na mayroong violation ito. Mayroon 'yung ginawa niyang programa kasi parang inecourage niya lahat ng kaniyang personnel even down to the pcp na magbigay ng ayuda as part of his celebration, he assured me that physical distancing was observed. Kung mayroon man, I will look into it," he added.

As of this time, Gamboa said he still trusts Sinas.

On May 8, it was reported that residents in Tondo ignored social distancing measures while claiming relief goods from the NCRPO.

Barangay 105 residents crammed as they fell in line under the scorching sun before 11 a.m. to receive rice and sardines from the cops. However, authorities were not able to handle the crowd as residents from other barangays flocked to the area to get relief items.

PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, Sinas' mistah, earlier said he will remind police and other individuals conducting relief operations to observe physical distancing. — RSJ, GMA News