Cascolan vows to discipline cops who violate quarantine protocols

Incoming Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan on Wednesday assured the public that police officers violating quarantine protocols would be disciplined.

In a radio interview, Cascolan was asked for reaction on the supposed quarantine violation of National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Major General Debold Sinas due to his mañanita despite the prohibition on mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I will see to it that everybody imposes or implements the law shall be disciplined and should follow the law they are implementing," Cascolan said.

In May, Sinas drew flak for his birthday celebration amid the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila. He, however, insisted that during the event, guests had observed social distancing.

Sinas also argued that some of the photos, which were criticized by the public that circulated online, were old posts.

Outgoing PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa directed a probe on the incident.

Gamboa, however, explained that it was difficult to replace Sinas in the time of the pandemic as he was leading in the implementation of quarantine protocols in Metro Manila.

The Philippine National Police's Internal Affairs Service had filed a criminal complaint against Sinas and 18 other police officers and men over his birthday celebration.

They have been accused of violating Republic Act No. 11332 or the law on the mandatory reporting of notifiable diseases and health events of public concern as well as of violating Taguig City's ordinance requiring the wearing of face masks and physical distancing. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News