ON SINAS’ BIRTHDAY CELEBERATION

Año reminds gov’t execs, law enforcers to show some ‘delicadeza’

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday reminded government officials, including law enforcers, to be good examples to citizens in this time of mandatory quarantine, stressing that they must show delicadeza in performing their duties.

In a radio interview, Año was asked for his comments regarding the supposed birthday celebration of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas and his relief operations in Tondo, Manila where social distancing was allegedly not observed.

"Ang ating sinasabi sa ating mga government officials lalo na sa nasasakupan ng DILG, ito 'yung tinatawag nating delicadeza, may mga pagkakataon na kailangan maging example ka," Año said.

He said Sinas' subordinates could have planned a surprise party for him, however, he added that any form of mass gathering is prohibited under the enhanced community quarantine.

"That is a big no no, habang nasa ECQ tayo, wala 'yung mga celebration na ganyan, 'yung mga organized dinner na ganito, hindi 'yan ano... delicadeza nga eh. Right then and there, dapat ipatigil mo," Año said.

Año said he would let the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the matter.

"Ito ay papaubaya ko sa Philippine National Police 'yung pag-conduct ng investigation nito kung ano ba talaga 'yung nangyari," he said.

PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa earlier said he would look into the incident. Gamboa, however, said he still trusts Sinas and he does not see any violation with the activities of the Metro Manila's top cop.

According to Gamboa, Sinas assured him that social distancing was observed during his birthday celebration.

GMA News Online has reached out to Sinas to comment on the issue but the police general has yet to reply. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News