Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Camilo Cascolan has placed Ermita Police Station Commander Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Caramoan under administrative relief following the violation of health protocols at the Manila Bay last weekend.
Caramoan was relieved from his position in compliance with command responsibility. The police chief explained that Caramoan could have kept his post if the crowding of local tourists was prevented.
PLt. Col. Alex Daniel has temporarily replaced PLt. Col. Ariel Caramoan.
PGen. Cascolan expects the incident to serve as a lesson for everyone to be more responsible amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The PNP reiterates that the violation of health protocols at the Manila Bay was not only the police’s fault. The public should also be responsible in complying with the minimum health standards. – Report from Bea Bernardo and Naomi Tiburcio