Ex-PNP chief on BI alert list

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has put former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima on its alert list, an official said yesterday.

BI spokesperson Nikki Reyes said they have been given orders by the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division, which is trying Purisima on graft charges, to immediately alert the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation if he is spotted at any port.

Reyes said that since Thursday, the BI has included the names of Purisima; Gil Meneses, former PNP Civil Security Group chief; Napoleon Estilles, former PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office chief; Allan Parreno, former PNP-FEO assistant; Melchor Reyes, former PNP-FEO Education and Enforcement Management Division chief; and Ford Tuazon, PNP legal officer, on its alert list.

The BI also included in its alert list the incorporators of courier service firm Werfast Documentary Agency, Inc.: Mario Juan, Salud Bautista, Enrique Valerio, Lorna Perena and Juliana Pasia.

The graft charges against Purisima and 10 others stemmed from the allegedly anomalous deal the PNP entered into in 2011 involving the delivery of gun licenses nationwide.

It was earlier reported that the contract was awarded to Werfast without a public bidding. The firm was also reported to have been registered only after the deal was awarded. 

Purisima was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 upon arriving from Butuan City on May 20. He posted P30,000 bail.