Confirmed: Aquino accepts Purisima's resignation

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) —  President Benigno Aquino III on Friday night confirmed the resignation of suspended Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima.

Aquino said in his second national addrress on the tragic encounter between elite policemen and Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that he accepted Purisima's resignation.

"Tinatanggap ko po, effective immediately, ang resignation ni General Alan Purisima," Aquino said.

The president admitted that the resignation of Purisima, his long-time friend, is difficult for him to accept as it comes at a difficult time.

Purisima has been tagged as the personality behind the botched operation that resulted in the killing  of 44 Special Action Force commandos in the counter-terrorism operation on January 25.

Purisima was suspended in December by the Ombudsman for plunder charges over alleged misuese of gun owners' courier fees.