MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Calabarzon region dismissed on Friday social media posts saying he was taking over from embattled Police Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas as chief of the National Police Region Police Office.
In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. appealed to the public to stop spreading fake information that he said will cause public confusion and sow rifts among PNP officers.
Danao issued the denial in response to social media posts, purportedly by a news outfit, that he has been promoted as the next NCRPO chief.
The posts emerged online on the same day that the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service filed criminal and administrative charges against Sinas and 18 other PNP officers and personnel over violations of prevailing restrictions due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Sinas and the police officers are facing charges for violating quarantine protocols during his birthday party held inside the NCRPO headquarters in Taguig City. Photos of Sinas’ birthday party which drew 50 guests, were posted on the NCRPO official website but were later taken down after receiving public backlash.
In debunking the supposed fake posts, Danao, formerly the chief of police of the Manila Police District, assured Calabarzon police personnel that he will remain in his post.
“Rest assured that during these trying times, we shall work as one to better serve the communities of the region,” he said.