Senators have mixed reactions on the move of President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint General Debold Sinas as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that Sinas “should start by reorienting the police force, specially the anti carnapping group.” This in relation with the death of policeman in a shooting incident in Cavite while patrolling along a highway on November 6.
“Ayaw magbigay ng papeles, dapat inaresto agad. Naunahan pa silang bumunot ng baril. PNP pa namatayan. All because they were tentative in arresting the suspects (They should immediately make an arrest if there are no papers. The [violators] even pulled a gun first. The PNP had casualties because they were tentative in arresting the suspects),” Sotto raised.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the “appointment will definitely raise a lot of eyebrows,” and he “should demonstrate his sincerity to continuously clean up the ranks of our police force starting by leading by example at all times”.
“This is a chance for him to show us, the Filipino people, that he is the best man for the job and he has heart to serve the nation,” Gatchalian advised.
However, opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan observed the appointment is not unexpected for allies involved in cases and anomalies who are not sanctioned.
“Kinukonsinti o di kaya ay promoted pa. Faeldon, Lapeñas, Duque etc. (They are tolerated or even promoted. Faeldon, Lapeñas, Duque, etc.),” Pangilinan stressed.
As for former PNP Chief and Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, Sinas “is a good choice” and has a “proven track record.” He justified that no one is perfect and advised the new Chief to keep on with the internal cleansing program and “sustain the gains of PNP’s anti-drugs and anti-criminality campaign.” – Report from Eunice Samonte
