National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas, the controversial head of the Metro Manila police force, will most likely be given a higher position at Camp Crame, according to Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), as he said on Wednesday, September 16, that he is now looking for a position where Sinas would fit in.

“Well, until now there is no replacement. We have to evaluate him properly. Of course the guy deserves also an evaluation and of course a promotion too. He has done good things and that is all I can really say,” said Cascolan in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel when asked if the NCRPO chief will be replaced.

For now, the PNP chief said he considers appointing Sinas to a directorial staff position, noting that the NCRPO chief will undergo evaluation.

“I think he needs to be up to a directorial staff or a certain position that is fit most especially for him. I believe he is an expert for training of personnel and recruitment,” the PNP chief said.

Sinas stayed as the NCRPO chief despite his supposed violation of minimum health protocols during his controversial birthday serenade at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City last May 8, 2020.

This led the PNP Internal Affairs Service to file criminal complaints against Sinas and several other police officers for violating the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and Taguig City ordinance which mandates wearing of face masks and promoting physical distancing.

Despite the clear proof of violation, retired PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa previously said without elaborating that the mañanita issue is already a “closed issue,” and as of today, Sinas enjoys the support of President Rodrigo Duterte, who insisted the chief will not be fired or replaced.

“You can say that the ‘law is the law.’ That is my responsibility. But I will not order his transfer. He stays there,” Duterte said on May 19.