By Aaron Recuenco
Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas is grateful that President Duterte decided to keep him in his post amid the controversy created by his birthday celebration on May 8.
Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas
(NCRPO PIO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Sinas said that he did not expect that Duterte would mention the incident in his late night public address on Tuesday, and much more, the Chief Executive’s believing his version of what really happened.
“I would like to thank the President for the trust and confidence. Thank you Mr President and I am really happy that (at) least our effort(s) (were) recognized,” said Sinas.
The photos that were posted at the website of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were used as evidence that Sinas and at least 18 other policemen, mostly police officials, had violated the rules against physical distancing and mass gathering during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
Sinas became the subject of harsh criticisms in the social media, with some critics questioning the integrity of the government in enforcing the ECQ rules equitably.
The PNP leadership earlier said that despite Duterte’s statement, Sinas and the other officers present on the so-called mañanita will continue to serve in their posts, even as they face the prospect of facing administrative charges.
Criminal cases have been filed against Sinas and the rest of the officers present in his birthday celebration.
The NCRPO Chief said that while mistakes were committed, he remains focused on his job.
“The President himself said that we should just focus on our job, so that’s what I am doing,” said Sinas.
But he said he was already preparing for the final verdict, including the possibility that the President would be mad at him and would kick him out of his post.
And when he heard the President’s statement on Tuesday night, Sinas said he was relieved and regained his high morale.
Amid the continuous bashing on him, Sinas called on everyone to move on.
“To my bashers, hopefully they would be able to move on because I am already moving on,” said Sinas.
Read more: Duterte refuses to transfer Sinas over ‘mañanita,’ says he’s needed in the post