PNP-IAS files criminal complaint vs NCRPO chief, 18 others

May 15, 2020

The Philippine National Police's Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) filed a criminal complaint against Major General Debold Sinas,  National Capitol Region Police Office chief, and 18 other officers for allegedly not following quarantine protocols during his birthday celebration.

The complaint was filed Friday afternoon before the Taguig Prosecutors Office. It will determine if there is probable cause for Sinas and the others to be charged with violating Republic Act No 11332, requiring reporting of notifiable diseases and health events of public concern.

The Internal Affairs Service also filed a complaint for violating Taguig's ordinance requiring social distancing. The NCRPO is based in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.

They will also face administrative charges for violating Executive Order 112 on the prohibition of mass gatherings

Charged with Sinas were Brig. Gen Nicolas Bathan, Brig. Gen. Florendo Quibuyen, Brig. Gen. Florencio Ortilla, Brig. Gen. Gerry Galvan , Brig. Gen. Idelrandi Usana, Col. Eliseo Tanding Col. Remus Medina, Col. Raul Tacaca, Col. Emmanuel Peralta Col. Thomas Frias Jr., Col. Rodel Pastor, Col. Ferdinand Ortega Col. Manuel Abrugena,  Lt. Col. Orlando Carag Jr., two police majors and two corporals.

General Archie Francisco Gamboa, the PNP chief, ordered the May 8 birthday celebration of Sinas investigated.

IAS Inspector General Alfregar Triambulo said ''pictures speak a thousand words'', referring to photos of a social gathering without face masks and distancing.

Triambulo said they will try to identify others in the pictures of Sinas' birthday.

He said it is up to Gamboa to relieve Sinas while preventive suspension has to have a go-signal from the Office of the President.

Brig. Gen. Bernard Banc, the PNP spokesman, said Sinas will remain in his post as NCRPO chief for the meantime.  DMS