NCRPO Chief Debold Sinas said what happened on his birthday was not a party but a maῆanita or traditional dawn serenade which is customary among cops and soldiers.
It was organized by his men and to show his huge “appreciation” for their thoughtfulness, he accommodated their wishes and actions and let it finish without interruption. Sinas apologized for the incident and added he had no intention to violate the guidelines of the enhanced community quarantine.
PNP Chief PGen. Archie Gamboa has ordered the Internal Affairs Service to investigate the alleged quarantine protocols violation as a result of the birthday celebration. He reiterated the PNP is not exempt from the strict rules of mass gathering as the country continues to face challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Aῆo said he will leave the investigation to the PNP. Aῆo said it is “uncalled for,” and reminded all offices under DILG to avoid organizing or participating in mass gatherings this time.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has asked the NBI to look into the incident as the bureau has authority now to probe quarantine violations.
