Sen. Grace Poe and Director General Alan Purisima FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe made a strong call on Wednesday for the resignation of suspended Philippine National
Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima, this time over his alleged involvement on the Mamasapano operation despite his suspension.
“Alam mo ang Ombudsman ay nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon. Nasabi ko na ang aking nasabi noon, pero sa tingin ko pag nagkaroon tayo ng hearing at mas lalo pang natunton kung ano ang naging responsibilidad niya, baka sakaling mas didiinan pa natin ang panawagan na sana magkaroon ng bagong liderato sa PNP,” Poe told reporters, referring to suspension order of the Office of the Ombudsman against Purisima over an allegedly anomalous courier contract.
On Monday next week, her committee on public order will lead the Senate investigation into the January 25 Mamasapano incident where 44 members of the PNP-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were killed.
Purisima, who was said to be in charge of the operation, has confirmed his attendance in the hearing. At least 18 resource persons were invited to the hearing including Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Pio Catapang, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presidential adviser on peace process Teresita Deles, and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who have also confirmed their attendance.
“Ako kasi, I’ve always maintained that in light of the results of our inquiry, I think that he has a lot to account for,” Poe said of Purisima.
“And I feel that the PNP doesn’t have a shortage of capable men who would be able to take his place. So I still maintain that I think we would be in a better position to give a chance to another individual who might be able to command more confidence and respect among the PNP,” she said.
Poe has been calling for a change in PNP leadership since Purisima has been accused of amassing unexplained wealth.
And now that Purisima is again at the center of another controversy, this time over his role in the Mamasapano operation, the lady senator reiterated her call to President Benigno Aquino III to replace the suspended official.
“Ako, I would definitely want that the President appoint somebody because there’s also been a confusion as to who is the leader, di ba?” she said.
“Ako naman ay umaasa at nanniwala na ang Presidente ay nakikinig din sa sentimiyento ng ating mga kababayan at ng mga kapulisan. Kaya ako’y umaasa, at sa tingin ko naman ay hindi nagkukulang ng talento sa PNP so pwede namang magtalaga ng bago,” she further said.