Time to appoint new PNP chief, Poe tells Aquino

MANILA, Philippines–Time to appoint a new Philippine National Police chief now that suspended PNP chief Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima has been implicated in the police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, that killed 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF), a senator said on Wednesday.

“I feel that the PNP doesn’t have a shortage of capable men who would be able to take his place,” Sen. Grace Poe told reporters.

Senator Grace Poe. FILE PHOTO

“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 added.

Purisima, who is serving a six-month suspension while the graft complaint against him was being investigated, was reportedly on top of the SAF operation which was intended to arrest Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan.” But the Jan. 25 mission led to the death of the police commandos after a clash with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Asked if President Aquino should replace Purisima even before he had completed his suspension, Poe said she was hoping for this.

“I would definitely want the President (to) appoint somebody because there has also been confusion as to who the leader (of the PNP) is,” the senator said, adding that she believes the President also listens to the sentiments of the people and the police.

Poe, who chairs the Senate committee on public order, said that if the hearing shows Purisima’s role in the two controversies, she might issue a stronger call for a change in the PNP leadership.

The Senate committee would begin its inquiry on the Mamasapano bloodbath next week, according to Poe who led earlier inquiries on issues involving Purisima’s properties and the donations he had received to renovate his official residence.