PNP says viral photo of Gamboa having party an old event

Photo from PNP PIO

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police on Tuesday said that the viral photo showing PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa partying was an old event.

“PNP chief PGen Archie Gamboa strongly denounces the malicious posting of photos that were taken at a private event in Makati City in February 2020,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.

The photo showed Gamboa with several people who are not wearing face masks and not observing physical distancing. But Banac said the photo was taken in an event in Makati in February 2020.

The police organization also warned the public to stop spreading fake news through the shared photos or else they would face appropriate complaints.

“We urge all persons who posted, shared and forwarded these images in social media to immediately take these fake news down or face possible criminal charges under Republic Act 10175, or the Anti-Cybercrime Law,” Banac said.

Previously, Gamboa, who is about to retire next month, belied claims that there was a live concert arranged for his farewell gathering at Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City.

In a statement last Sunday, Gamboa said it was a simple dinner that ended at 9:30 p.m.

Police officials who went to Baguio City also underwent a triage, which is a medical check mandated by the local government for incoming guests and residents to combat the spread of coronavirus disease, Gamboa said. [ac]