Ombudsman bars Purisima, Napeñas from public office

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman ordered former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima and former Special Action Force (SAF) commander Getulio Napeñas perpetually disqualified from public office.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Thursday affirmed the filing of graft and usurpation of authority charges over the Mamasapano incident which led to the death of 44 SAF commandos in January 2015.

"They were also meted the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service, forfeiture of retirement benefits and cancellation of eligibility," the Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement.

Purisima and Napeñas face charges for supposed violation of Section 3(a) of the Anti-Graft Law and for Usurpation of usurpation of official functions under the Revised Penal Code.

Morales said the participation of Purisima in Oplan Exodus despite being under preventive suspension violated the PNP chain of command.

Napeñas was liable as a cohort due to his constant reporting to and official dealings with Purisima even as former Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina was his immediate superior, Morales said.

The Ombudsman denied the motions filed by Purisima and Napeñas and said they deserve "scant reconsideration."

"Napeñas’ plea of leniency on account of his 37 years of meritorious service in government cannot be countenanced by this Office considering that the penalty of dismissal from the service is an indivisible penalty," Morales said.

Purisima and Napeñas were also found guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, according to the Ombudsman.

On April 5, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to file usurpation of authority and graft charges against the two former PNP officials.