The birthday mañanita controversy involving Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas may be an "unfortunate" incident but it has already been resolved by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.
(NTF AGAINST COVID-19 / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"I believe it is already an old issue. It has been resolved by DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government)," Galvez, also chief implementer of the government’s response against the coronavirus outbreak, said during a televised press briefing Thursday.
"Sa pagkakaalam ko po nagkaroon na ng resolution doon (To my knowledge, there is already a resolution)," he added. Galvez did not say what kind of resolution or action the DILG did on the matter.
Galvez, a retired military general, expressed hope the birthday incident will no longer be highlighted, citing the efforts of the Philippine National Police to enforce the quarantine measures across the country. He said policemen have been able to implement the strict lockdown measures in Cebu despite the difficulties.
"Huwag natin po masyadong i-highlight iyong isang tinatawag nating maybe unfortunate incident kasi ang PNP po, iyan naman po, buong Pilipinas po o ini-implement po nila iyong talagang strict enforcement ng lockdown. (Let us not highlight too much the unfortunate incident because the PNP is implementing the strict enforcement of lockdown across the Philippines)," he said about the birthday controversy of Sinas.
Galvez admitted there may be shortcomings but appealed for public understanding.
"Nakikiusap po kami na iyong mga ganitong klaseng issue na nakita natin, siyempre, mayroon din tayong mga shortcomings, dapat ang ano po natin is maintindihan po natin kasi iyong circumstances po na nakuhanan po ng picture na iyon ay hindi po natin alam (We appeal that when it comes to this kind of issues, of course there are shortcomings but let's understand because we don't know the circumstances behind the pictures)," he said.
Last May, the Metro Manila police chief drew widespread criticisms after photos of his birthday feast, that supposedly violated the rules on mask-wearing and distancing, circulated online. Sinas and several police officials have been charged in court for alleged violations of the quarantine measures.
President Duterte later announced he would keep Sinas in his post despite the violations, saying his services are needed. Duterte said he would not fire or transfer Sinas simply due to the birthday gathering, calling him an "honest" and "good" police officer.