Philippine National Police chief Police General Debold Sinas on Wednesday banned Christmas parties within the country celebrates holidays amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the 81st founding anniversary of the Quezon City Police District, Sinas said that those who would attend the Misa De Gallo, including those in Camp Crame, would be controlled.
“The policy of the government is wala, mayroon na po kaming inilabas na direktiba na walang Christmas party. In fact sabi ko nga, ‘yung Misa De Gallo dapat controlled din,” Sinas said.
“Kung gusto ng mga simbahan natin na nandoon sa Crame na mag-Misa De Gallo, control din at gamitan ng zoom. Kapag ang authorized 30%, ‘yun lang dapat,” he added.
Likewise, the PNP chief reminded the public that caroling this Christmas season is not allowed.
Sinas said there would be the traditional Christmas tree lighting in the PNP as well as gift-giving, but there would be no large gatherings.
The new PNP chief is facing criminal and administrative complaints about his alleged quarantine violations at the height of a strict community quarantine.
Sinas already apologized for his supposed Mañanita, claiming some photos of the gathering that went viral were edited and were taken from old posts.
Also read: QC, Manila ban Christmas caroling amid pandemic
Sinas bans Christmas party in PNP
President Rodrigo Duterte has since defended Sinas over the incident and urged the public to let the new PNP chief off the hook.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) warns that even if a person wears a face mask and face shield, they can still be infected with COVID-19 when in a crowded area.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire issued the reminder on Monday after a photo went viral of people crowded in Divisoria, Manila, and Baclaran in Pasay City for shopping.
“Kahit po kayo ay naka-mask at naka-face shield pero kayo naman ay pumupunta sa matataong lugar na halos dikit-dikit na po kayo, maaari pa rin kayong mahawa,” she warned.
Vergeire further explained that the Inter Agency Task Force, the government’s policy-making body on COVID-19 response, prohibits “mass gathering” because the risk of transmission is very high in crowded places.