Go on diet, PNP doctors tell Purisima

Director General Alan Purisima. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—On his 55th birthday, Philippine National Police Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima got word from the wise: go on a diet.

The country’s top cop was instructed by PNP doctors to watch his diet as he might be already prehypertensive.

This was after he underwent a medical check up on his birthday, as required of policemen who must undergo an annual medical examination

Chief Insp. Raymond Santos, spokesperson of the PNP General Hospital, said Purisima’s blood pressure was 130/80 on Nov. 21, Friday, the day he turned 55.

The PNP chief led the annual physical and medical check up for policemen at the PNP Multipurpose Center in Camp Crame.

The annual physical examination is a mandatory test that PNP personnel must undergo on their birthday.

Santos said although Purisima’s blood pressure of 130/80 was still normal, he may be considered to be in the prehypertension stage.

“We advised him to observe his diet and do regular exercise to improve his health,” the PNP doctor said.

There were 50 other police officials aged 40 and above who underwent a medical check up and a physical fitness test on Friday as part of a regular fitness program for policemen.