BY ARYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS
Malacañang assured the public that it will check if Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Archie Gamboa really did hold a retirement party in Baguio City.
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 in Baguio City on Friday night.
In his Monday presser, Roque said he was not aware of such an event but promised to clarify the reports with Gamboa.
“Titignan po natin but in the first place, I cannot comment because hindi ko po alam kung talagang nagkaroon ng party sa Baguio,” he said.
“We will check with General 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 enhanced community quarantine (MGCQ) like Baguio City.
“Ang Baguio City po ay under MGCQ, hindi po siya MECQ,” he said.
“Ang MGCQ allowed po up to 50 percent capacity kung hindi ako nagkakamali,” 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 is linked to violations of quarantine measures. In May, the police force received heavy criticism because of the “mañanita” of Metro Manila police chief Major General Debold Sinas. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
