RETIRING PNP CHIEF DRAWS FLAK AFTER HOSTING DINNER FOR FRIENDS IN BAGUIO
BAGUIO CITY—A private dinner held here on Saturday for outgoing chief of the Philippine National Police drew flak on social media amid the surging new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in the city.
Details about the visit of Police Gen. Archie Gamboa were not immediately known although his presence here had been confirmed by the Baguio
City police.
Gamboa, who is scheduled to retire in September, was expected to receive a testimonial parade at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) where he graduated as member of its Sinagtala Class of 1986.
But because of strict quarantine rules imposed by the academy, the ceremony was converted into a private affair with top leaders of the police and the military, according to Police Col. Allen Rae Co, Baguio City police chief.
Gamboa also met with Mayor Benjamin Magalong, also a PMA alumnus, and top officials of the Cordillera police.
“The PNP chief abided by all our health and safety protocols, with complete requirements, including a travel authority,” Co said in a text message to reporters.
The event drew flak online with some netizens asking why a group of dignitaries was allowed in the city despite the rising COVID-19 cases.
The city on Saturday recorded 26 patients—seven of them children—the highest number of infections in a day.
On Saturday, the city also recorded its seventh death due to the virus.
Gamboa had been visiting many PNP units around the country to determine their condition as they handled frontline work during the quarantine, making his trips essential under public safety protocols, the Baguio police said.
Gamboa on Sunday denied he violated health protocols on his trip to Baguio City.
“There is no truth to the allegations spreading on social media,” he said in a statement.
He was referring to claims by netizens that he had gone to Baguio City over the weekend under heavy guard and organized a private testimonial dinner with a three-piece band at his quarters in the locality.
Claims on social media also raised doubts if Gamboa and his entourage even underwent triage.
Gamboa is set to bow out of the service next month.
“For the record there were only three vehicles, which is less than the PNP chief security protocol; all of us went through the triage as per the city of Baguio’s regulations; and there was no party or concert. It was a dinner that ended at 9:30 p.m.,” he said.
“Social distancing was strictly followed and the food was individually catered. My contingent and I stayed at the CPNP Cottage at the Navy Base the whole time,” he said.