Senate postpones PNP-PDEA probe after Sinas, Villanueva test positive for COVID-19

The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs has indefinitely postponed its investigation into the deadly "misencounter" between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

This postponement is due to both PNP chief General Debold Sinas and PDEA chief Director General Wilkins Villanueva testing positive for COVID-19.

General Sinas announced his positive test on Thursday, March 11, while Director General Villanueva confirmed his on Sunday, March 14.

Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, chair of the committee, stated that other invited resource persons from both agencies, who were exposed to the infected officials, have also been advised to undergo quarantine.

One of the close contacts of General Sinas and General Vicente Danao Jr. died after testing positive for COVID-19.

The hearing, previously rescheduled for Monday, March 15, has now been deferred until further notice, with Senator Dela Rosa expressing a preference for in-person hearings over virtual ones.

This incident marks a significant delay for one of the most anticipated probes of 2021, given the unprecedented nature of the shootout between two law enforcement agencies.