Escudero, Trillanes back Aquino’s acceptance of Purisima’s resignation

Senators Antonio Trillanes IV (left) and Sen. Francis Escudero FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Two senators backed and even commended President Benigno Aquino III for his decision to accept the resignation of suspended Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima.

“P-Noy (Aquino’s nickname) put the interest of the PNP as an organization first before his personal friendship and preferences. I commend him for that,” Aquino’s ally and close friend, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said in a text message immediately after the President announced his decision in a televised address to nation on Friday.

But Escudero expressed disappointment that the President did not immediately name a permanent PNP chief “in order to provide stability and direction in the PNP at this difficult time.”

“I urge him to appoint one at the soonest,” he said.

The senator said he would also have wanted the President to send a “clearer and tougher” message to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and to have given definite instructions to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, the government panel and the Department of Justice “insofar as ensuring that justice is exacted from those who brutally and mercilessly killed and massacred the 44 SAF members.”

Escudero was referring to the 44 members of the PNP-Special Action Force who were killed by suspected MILF members and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the Mamasapano operation last Jan. 25.

Another administration ally and former Navy officer, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, also backed Aquino’s decision, saying Purisima’s presence was already “causing confusion within the PNP.”

“Yes, I totally agree. His presence was causing confusion within the PNP,” Trillanes said in a separate text message.

He also commended the President for again facing the nation regarding the Mamasapano incident.

“Those are the words the people are expecting from their Commander in Chief. I only hope that everybody gets back on point.”