Purisima absent at PMA alumni homecoming

Gen. Thawip Netniyom of Royal Thai Armed Forces, AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr., PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina and Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981 attend the alumni homecoming on Saturday. PHOTO BY THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

BAGUIO CITY—Resigned Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima did not show up at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni homecoming here on Saturday.

Purisima is believed to be the brains behind the bungled police raid in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, which killed 44 police officers.

During the execution of the operation, however, he was on suspension since December due to corruption allegations.

His mistahs or classmates from PMA “Dimalupig” Class of 1981 kept in the dark from the police operation were present. They were: Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr., PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina and Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero.

Sacked Special Action Force commander Director Getulio Napeñas of PMA Class of 1982, and his mistah, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief and head of the board of inquiry of Mamasapano case Director Benjamin Magalong were also absent at the homecoming.