No stepping down for Purisima

Alan Purisima (Wikipedia photo)

MANILA – Amid calls for his resignation, there is no “turning back” for Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima.

“I’m not turning my back on my sworn duty. I will not let evil triumph. I will continue my service to the nation,” he told the committee on public order and dangerous drugs chaired by Sen. Grace Poe.

The hearing, supposed to discuss the PNP modernization and reorganization, focused on the controversies that hounds Purisima following reports of his alleged ill-gotten wealth.

Purisima was also recently criticized for his failure to address the spate of crimes, which were reported to have been perpetrated by several police officers.

The PNP chief also apologized for his failure to attend the Sept. 16 hearing while slamming the allegations and rating his performance nine on a scale of 1 to 10.

“I apologize if I have given the impression that I do not wish to cooperate with the work of the honorable committee. On the contrary as the leader of the national police force, I take responsibility for making sure that the elected representatives of the people are provided information they need to carry out meaningful reforms within the police organization,” Purisima said.

He also said that the allegations are part of a campaign launched against him by individuals who are affected by his efforts to modernize the firearm licenses issuance.

“In my desire to put the system in order, many have lost a lucrative source of income. Naturally, they would want us destroyed so it would be business as usual,” he said in Filipino.