Sinas assumes post as 25th PNP chief

Police Major General Debold Sinas on Tuesday afternoon formally assumed the post of chief of the Philippine National Police.

In a change of command ceremony at Camp Crame presided over by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Sinas replaced Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan after the latter reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. Cascolan led the 218,000-strong PNP for two months.

"I always give my 100%, I believe in God that he has a desire for me to serve and protect our people, thus I stand before you now as the 25th chief of  the Philippine National Police with a humble heart and I give it all the glory," Sinas said in his assumption speech.

Sinas, who previously served as director of the National Capital Region Police Office, is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy "Hinirang" Class of 1987.

Prior to leading the NCRPO, Sinas was the chief of the Central Visayas police. His leadership was marred with controversies as the killing incidents in the region supposedly increased during his watch.

Sinas was also condemned by the public for having a birthday celebration, or mañanita, last May despite strict quarantine measures in Metro Manila due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite controversies, presidential spokesman Harry Roque and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año appealed to the public to give Sinas a chance to prove himself in leading the police force.

Roque had said President Rodrigo Duterte chose Sinas because of his contributions in the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

Sinas expressed his gratitude to Duterte for choosing him to lead confidence that he could lead the police organization. Heand vowed that the PNP will support the administration's campaigns.

"Sir, rest assured that the full force of the Philippine National Police will give its unwavering support to the national government in its relentless campaign against illegal drugs, corruption in the government and criminality," Sinas said.

Sinas also thanked Año for believing in his capability to lead the PNP. He is also thankful to Senator Panfilo Lacson, whom he called his forever idol, and to Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa.

Sinas will retire in May 2021. — BM, GMA News