Solis: No politics in Purisima’s relief
LINGAYEN– Provincial Administrator Virgilio Solis has stressed that the relief of Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Alan Purisima is not politically motivated and is simply part of the Philippine National Philippine’s (PNP) policy of limiting police officers’ term of service in one area to just two years.
Meanwhile, Purisima has confirmed with The PUNCH that he has already received his relief order, approved by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), effective February 12.
In a text message, Purisima said, “Salamat po sa inyo. Reassigned na ako sa Camp Crame. I will miss you.”
Purisima’s stint is short by only four months to complete a two-year tour of duty in Pangasinan.
Governor Victor Agbayani, for his part, said “it is time to move on.”
He added that it will not be good for the general situation in Pangasinan if Purisima’s relief continues to be resisted as this will create unwarranted speculations.
Three names have been forwarded to Agbayani by Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, police regional director, as choices for possible replacement.
Purisima’s likely successor will be Senior Superintendent Isagani Nerez.
Agbayani said Nerez should be given the chance to prove himself given his track record and good background as a police officer.
“He (Nerez) can continue where Alan left off,” the governor said.
The turnover ceremony is expected to be held within the week.
The business sector in the province as well as local government officials have signed petitions asking for the retention of Purisima for the duration of the election period.
Members of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in eastern Pangasinan, led by businessman Rosendo So, has charged that it was House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. who recommended Purisima’s relief for political reasons.
Vice Governor Oscar Lambino also said the transfer of provincial directors is part of routine and the people wanting Purisima to be retained here must understand this as the said police officer also to move on and grow in his career path.—EVA/ APE
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