Purisima gets four-star rank as PNP chief

Newly installed PNP Director General Alan Purisima

MANILA, Philippines — The newly installed chief of the Philippine National Police, Deputy Director General Alan Purisima, was promoted to the organization’s highest rank Friday, its spokesman said.

“By virtue of PNP NHQGeneral Order 2107 dated Dec. 19, 2012 under the direction of the President [Benigno Aquino III], General Purisima is promoted to the rank of Police Director General, the rank appropriate for the position Chief PNP,” Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said in a text advisory.

Purisima was given his new rank at 7:30 a.m. at his office.

Purisima took over the reins from Director General Nicanor Bartolome on Tuesday after availing of early retirement.

Bartolome was originally scheduled to step down on March 16, 2013, but bowed out of service earlier to allow Purisima to get his fourth star.