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Medialdea orders PNP to submit to Palace findings of probe into Sinas’ mañanita


Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to submit to Malacañang the results of its investigation on the alleged birthday party for Metro Manila’s top cop Police Major General Debold Sinas amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Medialdea issued the order to the PNP-Internal Affairs Service, which is looking into the possible violation of quarantine protocols, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

“I think it is a significant development na no less than the Executive Secretary has ordered the investigation and the results be forwarded to his office,” Roque said.

“Hayaan na muna nating umusad ang imbestigasyon bago natin pag-usapan ang parusa.”

A parallel probe is also being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Sinas' mañanita drew flak from netizens after photos were posted on the official Facebook page of National Capital Region Police Office-Public Information Office, apparently showing that social distancing was not observed during the event.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Wednesday that what transpired was a mañanita or a tradition among the military and police where the subordinates greet their commander celebrating a birthday at the early break of the morning.

He said the gathering may not be considered as a party but it was still uncalled for amid the COVID-19 situation in the country.

Sinas has since apologized to the public but claimed that some of the photos circulating online were edited and grabbed from old posts. 

He, however, has refused to go on  leave while the probe is ongoing. "Unless otherwise instructed by the chief PNP (Philippine National Police) or the President, I don't think so. Hintayin ko na lang po ang results ng investigation," Sinas said in an interview on CNN-Philippines.

He also maintained that there was nothing wrong with the mañanita, reiterating that social distancing was observed by police officials who attended the event. — RSJ, GMA News

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