ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Despite allegations of incompetence and corruption, for which he is facing plunder charges, Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima said yesterday he remains focused on reforming the police force.
“Let me assure you that the best of interest of our members – both uniformed and non-uniformed – remains on top of our priorities,” Purisima said here at the groundbreaking of a P5-million two-story multi-purpose hall.
“We have to have the best in terms of equipment facilities and training, because we want you to render your best services to the community,” he said in a speech before officials and non-commissioned officers led by Chief Superintendent Edgar Basbas at Camp Batalla.
Purisima also formally turned over a bus for the use of police personnel in the region, as requested by Director Juanito Vaño, deputy chief for logistics. Purisima declined to be interviewed by the media after the ceremonies.
Basbas, meanwhile, presented the PNP chief a manifesto of support signed by the police officers in Region 9.
Purisima came under fire for allegedly undervalued properties in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) and for accepting an P11-million donation for the construction of the “White House,” the PNP chief’s official residence, at Camp Crame. He also drew flak for getting a huge discount for a luxury vehicle he purchased in Pampanga.
Vaño said the morale of PNP officers and personnel remains high.
“He (Purisima) is okay. You know, when you are championing reformation, along the way people get trampled, run over, industries are affected and these would target you,” he said.
“There is no low morale in the police force. In fact the police have realized the importance of reforms from which they are already benefiting,” Vaño added.
Senior police officials said crime syndicates affected by reforms in the PNP could be behind the allegations against Purisima.
He said the PNP’s strict implementation of Republic Act 10591 or the comprehensive firearms and ammunition regulation law has caught the ire of syndicates engaged in faking gun permits.
“Many underground dealers who earned millions were affected by the reforms implemented by the PNP chief,” Vaño said. “While he is doing this, he is also being targeted by those who refused (to accept) the reforms.”