Ex PNP chief Mendoza will get half mast rite after all

In his text message, Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac said that the PNP will place the flags at half mast on the day of Mendoza's interment.

 

Sindac cited Section 27 of the Republic Act 8491 or known as the Heraldic Act as the basis for the half mast rite for the late PNP chief.

 

Earlier that day, Sindac held a press conference and told members of the press that Mendoza  will not be entitled to putting the Philippine flag on a half mast. 

 

Sindac said that the half-mast rite is only for active police officers who are killed in the performance of their duties.

 

"After research with our HRD (Human Resources Department) and consultation, sad to say were not able to do the half mast , because the late General Leandro Mendoza should be active...normaliy the half mast is granted to active PNP officers," Sindac told a press briefing.

 

He said under the PNP protocol, retired police officers are not entitled to the half mast rite.

 

"Hindi lang talaga entitled 'yung retired PNP officers... ideally, 'yung ganun, 'yung killed in action," Sindac added.

 

Sindac, however, pointed out that there are appropriate ceremonies for the case of Mendoza, who also served as Department of Transportation and Communications during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

 

The police official said the PNP leadership has yet to communicate with the Mendoza family members regarding the arrangement for the giving of the last respect to the late PNP head.

 

 "May appropriate ceremonies naman, that would be discussed by the protocol committee...I have not yet received word from the family... kung dadalin dito sometime sa Camp Crame...," he said.