Sinas, involved in the ‘mañanita scandal,’ wants to be promoted by the PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines – Instead of being fired, the new Philippine National Police chief wants to promote the controversial National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas.

That is what PNP chief Camilo Cascolan announced on Wednesday, in an interview with the ANC on whether he will fire the said policeman.

“Well, until now there’s no replacement. We have to evaluate him properly. Of course the guy deserves also an evaluation and of course a promotion too,” Cascolan said earlier.

“He has done goood things.”

He was even criticized for being involved in a large-scale birthday mañanita (not raw party) when the most stringent lockdown against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was being implemented in the Philippines – the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Any kind of mass gathering is prohibited under the ECQ, but in some photos it can be seen that almost 50 attended. It even arrested and even shot at civilians who violated the quarantine protocol.

“I think he needs to be up at the directorial staff or in a certain position that is fit most especially for him,” Cascolan added.

“I believe that he is an expert most especially with regard to training. Training of personnel and training of recruits.”

Despite this, Cascolan assured that he will take care of the discipline of those under him.

President Rodrigo Duterte first defended Sinas despite violating the quarantine protocols, and said he was responsible to the official.

“You say, the law is the law. Well, that’s mine. It’s my responsibility. But I will not order his transfer. He stays there until further orders,” Duterte said on May 8. Ako ‘yung ayaw na malipat siya.”

Meanwhile, Cascolan admitted that he was with former Calabarzon police director Gen. Vicente Danao on PNP studies that could replace Sinas.

At the end of August, Danao said goodbye to his command staff and staff, but did not say where he would be stationed because it was still “secret”.

“Yes of course … He’s doing good. He did his best and he’s done good in [Police Regional Office] IV-A. Not even that, he has a reputation in the service, and he is a very competent person too, “Cascolan added.

There are rumors that he could be transferred to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

However, Cascolan said he would prefer to transfer Danao to NCRPO because it seems “better” if he leads there.