Año accepts Sinas' apology but it doesn't mean the cop won't be held liable

Published May 14, 2020 08:18 AM By ANNA FELICIA BAJO, GMA News

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday said he has accepted the apology of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas following the controversial mañanita, but he noted it doesn't mean the police general will not be held liable for it.

"Yes, tinatanggap ko ang kaniyang apology, but of course, hindi 'yun nagsasabi na ‘di na siya puwedeng managot. Depende kung ano 'yung magiging resulta ng investigation," Año said in an interview on Unang Balita.

"Kilala ko naman 'yang si General Sinas, seryoso sa trabaho 'yan. Ang nangyari kasi doon hindi niya rin alam 'yung set-up na ganoon, sinurprise siya... Pero sa mga ganyan, kailangan muna ng discretion 'yan..." he added.

It was on May 8 when Sinas and police officers celebrated the former's birthday despite the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.

Photos of the event were posted on the official Facebook page of NCRPO-Public Information Office but were later deleted after it drew flak from netizens as social distancing was not observed during the celebration.

Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa has directed the Internal Affairs Service to look into the matter.

Sinas has issued an apology if the event caused "anxiety" to the public. However, he insisted that some of the pictures that circulated were grabbed from old posts.

IAS Inspector General Attorney Alfegar Triambulo said Sinas would not be relieved pending the investigation. He, however, assured the public that a fair probe will transpire as civilian lawyers were assigned to the case.

Triambulo is eyeing to submit a report regarding the incident by next week. —AOL, GMA News

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