Debold Sinas tests positive for COVID-19

Philippine National Police (PNP)chief Police General Debold Sinas has tested positive for COVID-19, the PNP spokesman confirmed on Thursday night.

Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana told reporters that Sinas was in good condition and that there was no need to be worried about him.

He also asked prayers for the PNP chief.

"Yes po. But he is okay. No cause for worry. Prayers na lang po muna para kay Chief," Usana said. [Let's just pray for the Chief].

Sinas became controversial after pictures of his birthday celebration last year showed alleged violations of strict health protocols in Metro Manila amid the quarantine.

Critics did not buy the justification that what took place on May 8 was mañanita, the Philippine National Police's  traditional manner of greeting a birthday celebrant. 

Sinas was highly-criticized for the act, with some even calling for his resignation or removal as chief of the National Capital Region Police Office.

No other than President Rodrigo Duterte defended the police general and that even led to his appointment as chief of the police force. -NB, GMA News