MANILA – Controversial National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas has been appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Sinas will assume his new post today, replacing outgoing PNP chief Police General Camilo Cascolan.
Roque said President Duterte based the cop’s appointment on his track record and “dedication towards the administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.”
“Presidential appointments are really very executive in character. It is a prerogative of the President and he need not make any explanation for his appointment,” Roque said in a virtual press conference on Monday.
“But nonetheless, tiningnan siyempre ni Presidente ‘yung track record ng kanyang appointee at matagal nang sinasabi ni President na talagang si bagong PNP chief Sinas ay napakalaking na ang naitulong sa kanyang war on drugs,” he added.
Sinas became controversial over his birthday celebration last May, which allegedly violated the ban on mass gatherings and social distancing protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Appointing the new PNP chief is a matter of trust and confidence and he’s most trusted by the President. Let’s leave it at that,” Roque said. “Wala namang perpekto, tingnan pa rin ang achievements habang nasa panunungkulan.”
Sinas, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Hinirang Class of 1987, was a regional director of the Police Regional Office 7 (Central Visayas) prior to his appointment as Metro Manila’s top cop./PN
