Purisima may be charged with usurpation of authority–Ombudsman

By: Tetch Torres-Tupas - 10 years ago

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. INQUIRER FILE photo

MANILA, Philippines–Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima may be charged with usurpation of authority in connection with the Mamasapano incident where 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) were killed last Jan. 25, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said Wednesday.

“A possible charge is usurpation of authority [because] he was under suspension when the alleged order came from him. I said ‘alleged’ we are not yet determining whether he participated. To use his word, he merely advised, not ordered,” Carpio-Morales said during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP).

Morales said they can still run after Purisima for possible criminal and administrative liability.

“He claims he resigned only as chief of PNP but not as member of the PNP so we can still run after him,” Morales added.

Morales said she already formed a panel of investigators to determine who should be held liable for the incident.

She said depending on the findings of the panel if they will wait for the findings of other agencies conducting investigation.

“We may look out the window and see the stars but not the moon [but] if our findings are comprehensive enough so be it, we are not going the other agencies,” Morales said.