Former PNP chief defends Purisima

MANILA, Philippines - Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane defended resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima’s involvement in the operation in Mamasapano, which sparked a bloody clash that resulted in the death of 44 police commandos.

Ebdane, who served as PNP chief during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, believes Purisima has the right to oversee the operation he initiated.

“The initial information was fed to Alan Purisima about two years ago. He initiated the operation,” he told reporters in Baguio City over the weekend.

“He is suspended (as PNP chief) but does that mean the operation should also be suspended? No, even ordinary people should be involved until the end (of the operation) if he is the conduit,” he added.

Ebdane said Purisima should not be judged while the events leading to the Mamasapano clash remain unclear.

“Let us understand the situation. Let us not judge him if we do not know what really happened on the ground and I appreciate him because even if he is under suspension, he is taking responsibility,” he added.

Ebdane, who commanded the Special Action Force (SAF) from 1989 to 1991, said the public should not take advantage of the misery of the families of the fallen policemen.  

“Let us investigate the incident but let’s not point fingers or vilify one another,” he added.

Critics have slammed Purisima for directing the operation against wanted terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman in Mamasapano last Jan. 25 even if he was under suspension.

Purisima was suspended by the Ombudsman for six months over an allegedly anomalous courier service contract.

The suspended PNP chief, however, insisted that he only made recommendations, not orders to the SAF troopers involved in the operation.