Sinas urges critics implicating him in Central Visayas killings to file charges
MANILA, Philippines — Newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Wednesday encouraged his critics to file charges against him if it is true that he was involved in alleged human rights violations committed by the police in Central Visayas when he was its regional director.
During the Laging Handa public briefing, Sinas said he is not facing any charges during his stint at the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7).
“As to allegations, matagal na po akong nawala sa PRO-7. Wala po akong kaso doon. Kung may kaso po ako, kung merong reklamo sila, pwede naman nila i-file ‘yun sa korte natin, sa iba-ibang ahensya na nagsusupervise sa PNP,” Sinas said.
(As to allegations, it has been long since I left PRO-7. I do not have a case there. If they have a complaint against me, they can file it to the courts and other agencies supervising the PNP.)
“At kung tungkol po doon sa alleged human rights violation ay wala pong katotohanan ‘yun. Wala po akong kaso doon. Kung meron man, i-e-encourage ko po sila na magfile ng kaso para sasagutin ko po sa tamang venue,” he added.
(Regarding human rights violations, it is not true. I do not have a case there. If there is any complaint, I encourage them to file it in court so I can answer it at the proper forum.)
Sinas also said it is the public’s right to criticize him for his background as PRO-7 director and for the mañanita dawn serenade that was held for his birthday at the headquarters of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Taguig City last May.
He said he will only do his job as PNP chief despite criticism of his appointment.
“Una, nasa kanila po ‘yun, karapatan po nila ‘yun. Hindi ko po sila pipigilan kung magcriticize po sila. Kung doon po sila maligaya, sige po. Ako lang po ay magtatrabaho sa aking katungkulan bilang chief PNP,” he said.
(First, it is their right. I will not stop them from criticizing me. If they are happy with that, they should go ahead. I will just work according to my duty as PNP chief.)
Sinas was the regional director of PRO-7 starting July 2018 before he became chief of NCRPO in October 2019.
The Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas earlier said that Sinas’ stint in the region was marred by the rise of unsolved killings of individuals linked to the drug trade.
