Eleazar asks public not to insult police after Sinas mañanita

Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday asked the public to refrain from aiming "insults and other unfair generalizations" at the Philippine National Police (PNP) as Police Major General Debold Sinas and other police officials face charges over his "mañanita" amid the enhanced community quarantine.

"I appeal to the public, particularly to our netizens, to spare the entire police organization and other agencies involved in the enforcement of the ECQ Guidelines from insults and other unfair generalization. Our hardworking people on the ground do not deserve them," Eleazar said in a statement.

Eleazar said he is "saddened" that Sinas' birthday "mañanita" on May 8 has apparently resulted in "misinterpretation" and accusations that the PNP had a double standard in its implementation of the ECQ Guidelines.

Eleazar said it is "absolutely unfair to our men and women on the ground who brave the scorching heat of the sun, who risk themselves to infection everyday and who make a sacrifice to be away from their family just to make sure that every Filipino is protected from COVID-19."

He added, however, that he fully supports the decision of PNP Chief General Archie Gamboa to order an investigation into the incident.

"We hope that this controversy serves as reminder to all the public servants to exercise due diligence and sensitivity in every action they do and in every decision they make that are related to our fight against COVID-19," Eleazar said.

Malacañang has confirmed that authorities will file criminal charges against Sinas and other police officials who attended the party amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the information was relayed to him by Gamboa, who ordered an investigation on the event amid allegations that it violated the ban on mass gatherings and physical distancing protocols.

Roque added the PNP is seeking clearance from the Office of the President regarding the filing of administrative charges. — Jamil Santos/BM, GMA News