Mañanita aside, Cascolan says Sinas likely to get promoted to higher post

MANILA, Philippines — National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas — hounded by controversy due to his mañanita birthday celebration at the height of the strictest quarantine status in Metro Manila — will be promoted to a higher position, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan said Wednesday.

“Well, until now there is no replacement. We have to evaluate him properly. Of course the guy deserves also an evaluation and of course a promotion too. He has done good things and that is all I can really say,” said Cascolan in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel when asked if the NCRPO chief will be replaced under his watch.

For now, Cascolan said he considers appointing Sinas to a directorial staff position, noting that the NCRPO director will undergo evaluation.

“I think he needs to be up to a directorial staff or a certain position that is fit most especially for him. I believe he is an expert for training of personnel and recruitment,” the PNP chief said.

Sinas stayed as the NCRPO chief despite his supposed violation of minimum health protocols during his controversial birthday serenade at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City last May 8.

This led the PNP Internal Affairs Service to file criminal complaints against Sinas and several other police officers for violating the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and Taguig City ordinance which mandates wearing of face masks and promoting physical distancing.

Retired PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa previously said without elaborating that the mañanita issue is already a “closed issue.”

EDV