Napolcom OKs promotion of Purisima to star rank

MANILA, Philippines - The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has approved the promotion to star rank of Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Alan Purisima, the next PNP chief.

This developed as President Aquino confirmed yesterday that Purisima will replace outgoing PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome, who retires next March.

“I know him (Purisima) since the time when he was executive officer of the Special Reaction Unit of the Presidential Security Group during my mother’s time. We have had a lot of interactions through the years. Among the traits I see in him - he is very professional at work,” Aquino told reporters during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas’ 38th Top Level Management conference in Tagaytay City.

The President said Purisima never made “a livelihood” out of his position and underwent numerous trainings both local and abroad.

Aquino said he will cite the qualifications of Purisima during the turnover ceremonies.

Aside from Purisima, also promoted were National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Leonardo Espina and Chief Superintendent Mario Lopez, chief of the Inspection and Audit Division of the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service.

Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Eduardo Escueta said the promotion of the three police officials has been submitted to the President.

“The Napolcom approved and recommended to President Aquino their promotion to star rank positions after the PNP chief recommended their promotion and certified that they meet all the requirements,” Escueta said. – With Aurea Calica, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Jose Rodel Clapano