PNP exec behind Obama mask visiting China

MANILA, Philippines - Policemen behind the distribution of the controversial Halloween masks kept their mouths shut and pointed to Senior Supt. Gilbert Cruz, acting chief of the PNP-Police Community Relations Group, who was in Fujian, China for a basketball tournament.

Cruz spearheaded the distribution of Halloween masks, among them one of the face of US President Barack Obama, as part of the anti-criminality campaign of the Philippine National Police.

Cruz left the country on Friday, the day after the distribution of the masks, to lead the PNP’s basketball team for the 9th Zhen Chenggong Cup in Fujian, China.

“We are very sorry, we can’t comment on the matter as our chief is now out of the country,” said several of the PNP-PCRG personnel.

PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said it was not only Obama’s but also those of President Duterte’s facemasks that were distributed.

“I don’t know about it. It’s a PCRG project. All I know is that there’s also the Duterte masks,” Carlos said in a text message.

One senior police officer admitted they are being criticized for handing out the Obama masks.

Critics said the distribution of the masks bearing the likeness of Obama alongside ghoulish Halloween masks was a sign of disrespect, apparently taking a cue from Duterte’s dislike of the US.

Duterte has spewed profanities against Obama and the US for what he called meddling in his campaign against illegal drugs and domestic issues.