DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said on Wednesday, May 13, that National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Debold Sinas should have immediately called off the surprise birthday party that his subordinates threw for him on Friday, May 8.
"Ang ating sinasabi sa ating mga government officials lalo na sa nasasakupan ng DILG, ito 'yung tinatawag nating delicadeza, may mga pagkakataon na kailangan maging example ka," Año said, when asked to comment on Sinas’ birthday party.
"That is a big no no, habang nasa ECQ tayo, wala 'yung mga celebration na ganyan, 'yung mga organized dinner na ganito, hindi 'yan ano... delicadeza nga eh. Right then and there, dapat ipatigil mo," he added.
Aside from the birthday bash, Sinas also celebrated his birthday by conducting relief operations in various areas in Metro Manila, with people failing to observe social distancing as they queued for their turn to receive the relief goods.
Sinas has yet to comment on the matter.
Año, who supervises the Philippine National Police (PNP) as DILG chief, said he is leaving the investigation on the matter to the PNP leadership.
Earlier, PNP Chief Archie Gamboa defended Sinas, saying there was no party and NCRPO personnel merely conducted a mañanita for their chief.
Gamboa said, however, that he will look into the matter although he also said he fully trusted Sinas.
In several photos uploaded at the NCRPO Public Information Office Facebook page, Sinas was seen receiving roses and blowing birthday candles as police personnel in close proximity to each other serenaded him.
There were also photos showing guests partaking of a buffet table and Sinas mingling with other officials seated at a table.
The post, which drew flak from netizens, has been deleted.
Mass gatherings are prohibited as part of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) protocols to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. (SunStar Philippines)