MAÑANITA ISSUE

Sinas removal 'can be an option,' says PNP spox Banac

Top Philippine National Police (PNP) officials can opt to remove
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas from his post for allegedly failing to observe physical distancing protocols during his recent birthday gathering, the police force's spokesperson said Thursday.

In a television interview, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said the incident -- photos of which have become viral on the internet -- is now being investigated by the PNP's Internal Affairs Service.

"[Removal] can be an option of the top management of the PNP but for now, we will not preempt the result of the investigation of the Internal Affairs Service and we will await for the result," Banac told ANC.

Pending the results of the investigation, Banac said Sinas remains on duty.

"We are just on standby and we expect that the Internal Affairs Service would complete their investigation as soon as possible," he said.

Banac also assured Sinas, who has since apologized over the event, of an impartial investigation. He also guaranteed the public that there would be no coverup.

"We assure the public that there will be no coverup on this matter," Banac added.

Banac said all personnel who attended the gathering on May 8 will be asked to give their statements to the Internal Affairs Service. He added that the PNP already reminded its personnel that any form of social gathering that would be construed as a mass gathering is prohibited.

Sinas' mañanita drew flak from netizens after the photos that were posted on the official Facebook page of NCRPO-Public Information Office showed that social distancing was not observed.

Sinas, despite his apology, claimed the photos were edited and grabbed from old posts.

Banac said Sinas' statement would also be included in the investigation.

The National Bureau of Investigation has also been ordered to do a separate investigation regarding the matter. --Ma. Angelica Garcia/KBK, GMA News