Eleazar sits as PNP OIC after Sinas tested positive for COVID-19

Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for administration Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar was designated as officer-in-charge of the police force after PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas got infected with COVID-19.

"Following the unfortunate incident wherein our Chief PNP, General Debold M. Sinas, tested positive for coronavirus, I was designated as the OIC, PNP as a matter of protocol," Eleazar said in a press statement Friday.

"As OIC PNP, I will be taking over the affairs of the PNP temporarily and until such time that our Chief PNP fully recovers," he added.

According to Eleazar, Sinas is in good condition and that he is in constant communication with him, especially in matters that require the latter's attention and guidance.

Eleazar said he is hoping and praying that Sinas, his mistah, will recover at the soonest time.

On Thursday night, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana confirmed that the PNP chief tested positive for COVID-19. Usana said there is nothing to worry about him.

Eleazar, meanwhile, reminded all police officers and the general public to continue observing health protocols as the threat of pandemic is still there, adding that infections continue to spike in the past days.

"The threat of coronavirus remains and in fact we have been observing an upsurge of COVID-19 cases in the past days as reported by the DOH. Thus, we should all be vigilant for our protection, and for the protection of our families," he said.

As of Thursday, the Philippines recorded 607,048 COVID-19 infections, with 546,671 recoveries and 12,608 deaths.—AOL, GMA News