PNP chief free to appeal 6-month suspension – Mar

Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima is free to appeal his suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman but Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II maintained yesterday the order must be executed.

Roxas said over dzRB the suspension order was not about being “welcome or unwelcome” but a “fact” and a legal order that must be carried out.

“That is his right (to contest), he can go to the Ombudsman. That is the process. On our part, the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) and the

Napolcom (National Police Commission), it’s executory,” Roxas said.

“In fact, that is very much mandatory to execute. Whether you’re a mayor or whoever you are as an official, that is what happens,” he added.

He added he had discussed the matter with President Aquino but that they were focused more on the preparations for Typhoon Ruby.

“The PNP is bigger than any one person, than Mar Roxas, Alan Purisima or whoever. The full force of the PNP is focused – our police officers and firemen are putting themselves at risk to ensure the safety of our people. And they are all experienced whoever the OIC (officer-incharge) or chief PNP is,” Roxas said.

He said police officers were busy evacuating people from the coastal areas to keep them out of danger.

Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina has been named PNP-OIC while Purisima’s six-month suspension is in effect.

Purisima is facing criminal investigation for graft and other offenses, particularly for his alleged role in a questionable courier contract and in the case of missing rifles.