Purisima is incoming PNP chief, says Roxas

MANILA, Philippines – Alan Purisima is the incoming chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas.

Purisima, who carries the rank of deputy director general, is at present the head of the directorial staff of the PNP.

In an ambush interview in Malacañang on Tuesday, November 13, Roxas was asked about the impending leadership change in the PNP following the announcement that PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome will go on an early “non-duty” status before his scheduled retirement in March 2013.

Roxas said: “Well, ang mahalaga dito in preparation for the elections itinalaga natin si Director of Directorate Services Alan Purisima to head the election task force. So Alan Purisima, who is the incoming PNP chief, siya mismo ang gumagawa ng plano ngayon, which he will be implementing once he becomes PNP chief.” (What’s important is that Purisima has been appointed head of the election task force. Alan Purisima, who is the incoming PNP chief, is already planning this, which he will be implementing once he becomes PNP chief.)

Roxas said that both he and the President have chosen Purisima to replace Bartolome, who had been asked to leave his post earlier than scheduled to allow the new PNP chief to prepare for the May 2013 elections. The PNP is a security arm of the Commission on Elections during elections.

Purisima once served as aide of the late President Corazon Aquino, mother of the President. As a member of the Presidential Security Group then, Purisima was assigned specifically to guard the young Aquino who would later become president, too.

Asked when Purisima will be appointed, Roxas said: “The appointing power is the President… I think this is more between now, which is November 13, and December.”

Roxas added: “Unless I hear otherwise, [based on] my discussions with the President it is Alan Purisima.” – Rappler.com