BAGUIO City Police Director Allen Rae Co confirmed the entry of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa.
But Co assured that Gamboa and his entourage had complete travel documents and underwent triage procedures before entry into the city.
"Yes, all of them registered at the RBR website at hdf.Baguio.gov.ph and all of them underwent triage. They were supposed to be given a low key testimonial parade at PMA (Philippine Military Academy) but as I understand it, in deference to the current situation, the leadership of the DND (Department of National Defense), AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the honoree himself decided to forego with the activity," said Co.
Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) records show Gamboa and his group arrived in the city Thursday evening, August 13, for a supposed Saturday testimonial parade for the retiring police official by the PMA.
Gamboa, retiring next month, is a member of PMA class of 1986.
PMA has yet to issue a statement as of this posting Monday, August 17.
Gamboa also had a meeting with Mayor Benjamin Magalong and PNP officers from Cordillera and Baguio City to be briefed on the peace and order situation prevailing in the region.
Netizens were abuzz over the weekend over whispers of a private party at the Chief PNP cottage at Navy Base complete with entertainment.
Viral posts circulated with Senator Ronald dela Rosa believed to be responding to social media backlash, saying Gamboa's group "had really a three-man acoustic band to provide music during a private dinner."
"Too bad," Dela Rosa continued. "The reporter was not invited inside the CPNP cottage so he could have witnessed how protocols were observed during the private dinner."