Malacañang has ordered the Philippine National Police to investigate the so-called “mañanita” or birth anniversary celebration of National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Major Gen. Debold Sinas for violating the COVID-19 protocols, particularly on mass gatherings.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the announcement following the public outburst against Metro Manila’s top cop, saying authorities are turning a blind eye despite repeatedly insisting that “no one is above the law.”
Roque said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea ordered the investigation and that the results be forwarded to his office.
“Inatasan na po niya ang IAS – Internal Affairs Services – ng PNP na mag-conduct ng imbestigasyon at i-forward sa kanyang tanggapan na mismo kung ano ang resulta ng imbestigasyon,” he said.
The Palace official asked the public to wait for PNP to finish its investigation before asking for the heads of those involved. “Hayaan muna nating umusad ang imbestigasyon bago natin pag-usapan ang mga parusa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Roque urged the public to report to the Department of the Interior and Local Government local officials or law enforcers violating the quarantine protocols.
Roque made the statement after Santo Tomas, Pangasinan Mayor Timoteo Villar III celebrated his birth anniversary with a huge crowd last May 6. Videos uploaded by his son, town councilor Dickerson Villar, showed that some local government officials were present during the celebration.
Municipal police chief Peter Paul Sison was also seen handing the birth anniversary cake to the celebrant in the first video. The younger Villar, on the other hand, was overheard acknowledging that they have violated rules on curfew, mass gatherings, and physical distancing.
Roque told the public to report to the DILG and assured them that their complaints will be acted upon, saying the government is serious in implementing the quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Iparating niyo po sa DILG dahil ang DILG naman ang mag-i-imbestiga kung ang mga nirereklamo ay mga lokal na opisyales,” he said. “Aaktuhan po ‘yan dahil seryoso po tayo. Quarantine po, ‘yan lang ang pamamaraan para mapabagal ang pagkalat ng sakit and of course, we will lead by example,” he added. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)