Quezon town police chief relieved over alleged social gathering

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of police in Dolores Municipal Police in Quezon was sacked after he allegedly violated Philippine National Police’s (PNP) directive to prohibit mass gatherings amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) said Wednesday.

In a report, QPPO said Police Captain Joseph Ian Java was administratively relieved from his post on Dec. 22, Tuesday for violation of PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas’ order on “prohibition of social gatherings, parties and other similar activities most particularly this Yuletide season and on IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases] COVID-19 safety protocols.”

In a phone interview with INQUIRER.net, QPPO chief Police Colonel Audie Madrideo said they received a complaint regarding a “small fellowship” at the Dolores police station.

“Not exactly a Christmas party but a small fellowship. May nagreklamo kaya nagkaroon ng investigation kaya nirelieve muna namin,” said Madrideo.

(Someone complained so we will undergo an investigation, that’s why we relieved him.)

The Quezon police provincial command also appointed Police Lieutenant Almario Dela Rosa as officer-in-charge of Dolores police while Java faces investigation over his reported health violation.

Sinas, who is facing criminal raps over the mañanita controversy, previously warned that all partygoers  will be placed under police custody.

JE