CHARGES will be filed against at least 19 police officers, including National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Debold Sinas, who have been clearly identified in the photos taken during a recent birthday celebration.
Aside from Sinas, those who will be charged are six Brigadier Generals, seven Colonels, one Lieutenant Colonel, two major and two corporals.
As this developed, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac said the reported relief of Sinas is fake news.
"Sa ngayon ang regional director of NCRPO Brigadier General Debold Sinas ay mananatili sa pwesto habang gumugulong pa ang imbestigasyon ng kaso at antabayanan natin ang pagsasampa ng IAS ng mga nasabing charges, sa ngayon walang movement ang top officials ng NCRPO," he said.
PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said they will be charged with violation of Republic Act 11332 also known as the "Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act," and the local ordinance of Taguig City that mandates wearing of face masks.
"Edi 'yung violation na nakita nyo rin social gathering, walang face mask, (social) distancing. Pictures speak a thousand words," Triambulo said.
The 19 officers will also face administrative charges for neglect of duty and violation of Executive Order 112 which adapts the resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine as a tool to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Triambulo said they will seek the approval of PNP Chief Archie Gamboa before filing the charges before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Taguig.
Sinas was heavily bashed on social media after photos of the mañanita held before dawn Friday, May 8, were uploaded on the NCRPO's Facebook account.
In these photos, Sinas was seen receiving roses and blowing birthday candles while his subordinates sang a birthday song for him.
The celebration was done in Sinas' quarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City despite the prohibition on mass gatherings.
Triambulo, however, confirmed that one of the photos that are being circulated on social media was not taken during the birthday celebration. This photo showed Sinas and other policemen having a drinking session and not wearing masks. (VoxPop Philippines)