EMBATTLED National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Debold Sinas was elated by the support given by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I’d like to thank the President for the trust and confidence. Thank you po at na-recognized nyo po ako ako po ay talagang natutuwa na at least the President himself has recognized our effort... Sa mga tauhan ko, kay Chief PNP (General Archie Gamboa) na talagang hindi ako binitawan at sinuportahan ako. Ipagpapatuloy po namin ang magandang Gawain sa NCRPO, sa stakeholder at sa publiko,” he said.
“Sa mga bashers ko hopefully maka-move on sila kasi ako namo-move on na,” he added.
Sinas was charged along with 18 other police officers for violation of City Ordinance No. 12 of Taguig City, which requires the wearing of masks in public, and Republic Act 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
The charges were filed a week after Sinas was greeted with a mañanita at about 5 a.m. of May 8, 2020 followed by a merienda to celebrate his birthday.
On Tuesday evening, Duterte said he has decided not to transfer Sinas or relieve him from his post despite the controversy.
“Itong kaso ni General Sinas - sa National Capital Region - ako yung ayaw na malipat siya. He is a good officer, he is an honest man, and hindi niya kasalanan kung may mangharana sa kanya sa birthday niya,” Duterte said.
Read: Duterte defends Sinas, retains him as NCRPO chief
Photos of the birthday celebration drew public outrage as it was held by the policemen who are supposed to enforce the prohibition on mass gatherings.
The photos were posted on the NCRPO Facebook page, but were later removed after netizens criticized Sinas.
Meanwhile, PNP Internal Affairs Service Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said Duterte’s pronouncement will not affect the charges filed against Sinas and the other police officers.
"Wala naman... 'Yung sa criminal, tutuloy naman 'yun eh, ewan ko sa piskal kung ano ang nangyari, malaman din natin sa piskal... Kasi sabi niya, kung the law is the law eh di tuloy 'yung mga kaso pero siguro for the meantime... puwede ka namang manatili diyan hanggang walang conviction," he said.
"Wala naman siyang sinabing hindi kakasuhan, sinabi lang naman niya na nandiyan lang... maganda din naman performance, medyo istrikto si Sinas kaya hayaan mo lang penalty sa kaniya, iimpose. Kaya sabi niya 'the law is the law,'" he added. (SunStar Philippines)