Espina named PNP OIC

Philippine National Police Headquarters / Wikipedia Photo

MANILA – Following the suspension of Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina has been named officer-in-charge.

According to PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, Espina’s position, however, will only last until Monday as Purisima will be returning from Saudi Arabia the day after.

Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr.

was supposed to be Purisima’s replacement. Rojas, who is already 56, is set to retire on Monday.

Because of this, the police force is still waiting for the decision of President Aquino and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

Under the Republic Act 6975, the PNP Reform and Reorganization Law, both have the last say on the appointment of the PNP chief, whether permanent or acting.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Robert Po, spokesman for the Office of the PNP chief said that the six months suspension order has to be served personally on Purisima.

“A copy of the order was received by the office of the chief PNP, it was sealed in an envelope addressed to chief PNP. It’s a personal mail,” he said.