Malacañang assured the public Monday that it will check if Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Archie Gamboa really did hold a "retirement party" in Baguio City Friday.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after rumors circulated on social media that there was even a live band at the official residence of the PNP chief in Baguio.
Roque said he was not aware of such an event but promised to clarify the reports with Gamboa.
"Titignan po natin (We'll see) but in the first place, I cannot comment because hindi ko po alam kung talagang nagkaroon ng party sa (I do not know if there was really a party in) Baguio," he said.
"We will check with Gen. Gamboa if there was such a party and we will ask for (an) explanation," he added.
However, Roque said that gatherings of up to 50 percent of the venue's capacity are allowed in areas under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) like Baguio City.
"Ang Baguio City po ay (is) under MGCQ, hindi po siya MECQ (it's not under the modified enhanced community quarantine)," he said.
"Ang MGCQ allowed po up to 50 percent capacity kung hindi ako nagkakamali (Gatherings up to 50 percent of the capacity is allowed in MGCQ, if I'm not mistaken)," he added.
Gamboa has denied the rumors of a big retirement party but said he only had a small gathering where food was served to attendees.
This was not the first time that the PNP was linked to violations of quarantine measures. In May, the police force received heavy criticism because of the "mañanita" of Metro Manila police chief Police Major Gen. Debold Sinas.