Palace denies Roxas asked Aquino to fire Purisima, Ochoa

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. FILE photo.

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Thursday denied reports that Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II had asked President Benigno Aquino III to fire suspended Philippine National (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima and another official over the Mamasapano incident.

“No such incident occurred. The February 3, 2015, 1:00 p.m., meeting with Secretary Cesar Purisima, which the article referred to, did not push through,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said of an article by Manila Standard Today.

The article claimed that Roxas sought an emergency meeting and “demanded” for the sacking of Purisima and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. It said Aquino refused to give in to Roxas’ request.

The two officials were reportedly aware of the botched Mamasapano operation, which left 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) dead.

“This article is premised on something that never took place,” Lacierda said.

He said Malacañang categorically denies the report.

“During a time of mourning for our country, we call upon all sectors to practice prudence and refrain from adding to the grief of our countrymen,” he added.