PNP chief Purisima back in PH
PNP Chief Alan Purisima (center). INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima is back in the Philippines and is expected to answer the allegations levied against him.
Purisima arrived at 9 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on Sunday night, Chief Superintendent Christopher Laxa, PNP Aviation Security Group chief, confirmed in a text message sent to INQUIRER.net.
The highest PNP official has been embroiled in plunder and graft accusations amid calls for his resignation due to his “failed leadership” according to several groups and critics.
Purisima came from an anti-kidnapping and anti-extortion conference in Bogota, Colombia, which was held from September 22 until September 26, with other PNP officials.
Anti-crime watchdog group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said Purisima should step down following the recent spate of crimes involving PNP members.
Last week, a consumer rights group filed plunder, graft and indirect bribery charges against Purisima in relation to his alleged hidden property in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, the P25 million construction of his “White House” in Camp Crame and his shady P100-million deal with a courier service for firearms licenses delivery.
Senator Grace Poe and former PNP chief and now rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson also asked Purisima to go on administrative leave or “gracefully resign” and explain the issues he is facing.
For Malacañang’s part, Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said over the weekend that the Palace is also waiting for Purisima’s explanation. Julliane Love de Jesus
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