Sinas apologizes over mañanita but claims photos circulating online were 'edited'

Controversial Police Major General Debold Sinas, who drew flak for his mañanita in the time of enhanced community quarantine, on Wednesday claimed some of the photos of the event circulating online were "edited and grabbed from old posts."

Breaking his silence through a statement, Sinas, who heads the National Capital Region Police Office, apologized for what happened on his birthday last May 8 for the "anxiety" it caused to the public.

"Some of the pictures circulating in the social media were edited and grabbed from old posts. The pictures may depict itself however it does not define the totality of what really had happened," Sinas said.

"Nevertheless, I apologize for what transpired during my birthday that caused anxiety to the public," he added.

The photos were posted on NCRPO's Facebook page but have been deleted when the controversy broke.

Sinas said it was never his intention to disobey any existing protocols amid the enhanced community quarantine. The national government has tapped the police to strictly implement the rules and regulations of the mandatory quarantine, meaning they could arrest violators even without warning.

Sinas, meanwhile, explained that he was caught up with the mañanita conducted by some of NCRPO personnel "in their own volition."

"In all actuality, my accommodation to them was done with all cautiousness because I am fully aware of the anti-COVID measures being implemented by the government," Sinas said.

"They were told to observe social distancing and other precautionary health measures. They were also told not to linger and prepare for the simultaneous relief distribution NCR-wide that day," he added.

Amid this issue, Sinas assured the public that the NCRPO remains its adherence to the words and guidance of President Rodrigo Duterte and Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa.

Earlier, Gamboa directed the PNP Internal Affairs Service to conduct an investigation on the incident.

For his part, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año reminded government officials, including law enforcers, to be a good example to citizens in this time of mandatory quarantine where social distancing and prohibition of mass gatherings must be practiced.

He stressed that they must show delicadeza while performing their duties. --KBK, GMA News