A policeman bumps fists with Metro Manila police chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas during his birthday celebration in this photo posted by the National Capital Region Police public information office on Facebook, May 8, 2020.
MANILA - Metro Manila Police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said Wednesday he hopes his "bashers" would move on as he thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for coming to his defense over his May 8 birthday gathering that constituted alleged violations of quarantine regulations.
Duterte, in a late-night televised briefing on Tuesday, said he would not relieve Sinas from his post despite allegations that the police chief had violated quarantine protocols.
"I’d like to thank the President for his trust and confidence. Thank you po Mr. President at na-recognize niyo po ako, ako po ay talagang natutuwa," Sinas said on Wednesday.
(Thank you Mr. President for recognizing me, I am really happy.)
“Kung nagkamali man, okay lang tuloy lang po ang trabaho. 'Yun naman ang guidance ng President, tuloy ang trabaho at tuloy ang magandang gawain," he added.
(If there was a mistake, it's okay. I will continue working and doing good since that is the guidance of the President.)
Sinas and other high-ranking police officials were charged with administrative cases because of the gathering which he described as a mañanita or early morning birthday serenade.
The gathering, photos of which were posted then later deleted by the National Capital Region Police Office on Facebook, drew Sinas flak.
“Ayaw ko nang manisi, maski sabihin 'yung mga litrato, 'yung mga bashers ko. Hopefully, maka move-on sila, kasi ako magmu-move on na," Sinas said.
(I don't want to blame anyone even withe the photos and bashers. Hopefully they could move on because I'm already moving on.)
- report from Jerome Lantin, ABS-CBN News
Debold Sinas, mañanita, Rodrigo Duterte, PNP, NCRPO, police birthday, quarantine violation