New PNP chief vows full support for Duterte’s war on drugs

In his first speech as Philippine National Police chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas on Tuesday attributed his appointment to Divine Providence and thanked President Duterte for trusting him.

“I always give my 100 percent. I believe in God that He has a desire for me to serve and protect our people, thus I stand before you now as the 25th chief of the Philippine National Police with a humble heart,” Sinas said at the change of command ceremony in Camp Crame.

‘Walk the talk’

He thanked Mr. Duterte, vowed to give his “unwavering support” to the national government and then called on his men to “walk the talk.”

“My simple wish as father of the PNP is that we should walk the talk and work toward our objectives,” Sinas said.

As head of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Sinas and 18 other policemen were charged with criminal and administrative complaints by the PNP after a “mañanita” for his birthday was held in May.

Photos posted on the NCRPO Facebook page that were later deleted showed Sinas and his guests during the event—a violation of the prohibition on social gatherings —and in many instances, they were not wearing masks. The complaints, however, have yet to be resolved.

In his speech, Sinas said the PNP would throw its full support behind the government’s war on drugs, with the campaign to be refocused on high value targets.

Voltes V fan

A known fan of the Japanese animation series Voltes V, he also made several reference to the show.

“I intend to write a new chapter in response to challenges that may come up. We will solidly volt in…and if you will not volt in, you will answer to Voltes V,” Sinas said to scattered laughter.

He also vowed to crack down on illegal gambling, warning his men that anyone caught with ties to illegal gambling would be “immediately investigated and dismissed if found guilty.

“We will empower the different leaders and commanders to exercise their disciplinary powers to ensure all administrative cases are resolved quickly,” Sinas said.

At the same time, he promised to preside over “efficient and transparent procurement, and the religious audit of downloaded funds.”

Sinas replaced Gen. Camilo Cascolan, who retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. Cascolan was PNP chief for only two months.INQ