PNP chief won't step down, hits back at detractors

MANILA, Philippines - Embattled Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima won't heed calls for his resignation amid allegations of corruption and failed leadership.

Attending for the first time the Senate committee hearing on the PNP modernization program and other law enforcement issues, Purisima said those who are attacking him and the PNP are against his reforms who want to continue the corruption in the police force.

"Nakakalungkot isipin na kung kailan natin winawakasan ang katiwalian at korupsyon sa pambansang pulisya, saka pa tayo binabato ng pagdududa," Purisima said at the televised hearing.

"Pati nga po ang negosyong manukan ng aming itinatag na korporasyon at bahay na naipundar ko sa marangal na paraan, pinupuntirya ng mga kalaban ko para lang maisulong ang kanilang kagustuhan," he added.

Purisima was referring to his poultry farm and mansion located in Nueva Ecija which he allegedly misdeclared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. The Coalition of Filipino Consumers and the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption had separately filed plunder, graft and direct bribery charges against Purisma before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The PNP chief said he is not surprised by the accusations that intend to force him to resign. But Purisima refuses to quit.

"Hinding-hindi po ako tatalikod sa aking sinumpaang tungkulin. Hindi po ako papayag na manalo ang katiwalian. Ipagpapatuloy ko po ang paglilingkod sa bayan," he said.

Purisima assured that the PNP's campaign to shake off its image as a rogue organization will not spare anyone in the police force. He said the institution will continue to investigate scalawags in its ranks.

The Senate committees on public order and dangerous drugs, Local Government and Finance are conducting the hearing on several issues hounding the PNP such as the perceived increase of criminality and brazenness of illegal activities, including kidnapping incidents and deaths caused by unlicensed firearms.