After resigning, Purisima to return to farm for ‘fresh air’

MANILA, Philippines—What happens after the resignation of Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima?

In a televised interview on Friday, Purisima said he would return to the province “to go back to his farm and breathe fresh air.”

“Sa ngayon ay aalagaan natin ang ating pook, babalik po tayo sa probinsya at kung saan po tayo magsasaka siguro, or farming at iyon po ang gagawin natin sa ngayon para gumanda-ganda po yung nalalanghap natin na presko sa ating mga probinsya,” Purisima said.

Purisima has a property in his hometown San Leonardo town, Nueva Ecija, which has been a center of controversy last year after reports alleged that he misdeclared his “luxurious” house in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.

Persistent rumors that first came out on Thursday were proven true by President Benigno Aquino III when he announced in a national address that he’s accepting Purisima’s resignation.

Purisima’s stepping down came amid public outrage over the Mamasapano clash that led to the killing of 44 elite policemen.

Before the televised interview, Purisima gave a statement and thanked Aquino, his close friend, for the President’s “trust and confidence in allowing him to serve the PNP.”

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve our great republic as law enforcement officer for three decades,” he said.

Purisima also pointed out that as Aquino approves his resignation, “the PNP can now continue to focus on its mandate and mission to serve and protect people.”

The erstwhile police official was preventively suspended by the Ombudsman pending the investigation on the overpriced construction of his official residence or the so-called “White House” and a shady deal with a courier service firm delivering firearms licenses.

Since his suspension in December 2014, he was replaced by Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina who stood as PNP officer-in-charge.

“I have made it my life’s vocation to uphold and enforce the rule of law against those accused of any wrongdoing. However, their actions may be concealed,” he said.

“I trust that the reforms I have initiated will continue to make a lasting impact in improving the character of our national police force,” he added.