In a report from GMA’s “24-Oras” program on Wednesday, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said Purisima should start speaking up about the issues plaguing his leadership.
“Si General Purisima ay hindi na talaga katanggap-tanggap sa mga taong dapat pinagsisilbihan niya. Nagtatago siya sa saya ng presidente. Hindi dapat ganoon,” VACC Founding Chairman Dante Jimenez said.
Jimenez’s sentiments were echoed by the Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO) and also asked for Purisima’s resignation.
“Kahit kami we have confidence in him but then as a gesture to show your men that you stand on principles the first thing you do is resign. Hindi lang siya, [pati] ‘yung ibat-ibang station [commander],” Teresita Ang See from the MRPO said.
Last Tuesday, Purisima failed to attend a Senate hearing for the modernization and reorganization of the PNP which irked Senator Grace Poe.
“He has gone far too long relying on his spokespersons to speak for him. I don’t see any reason why the PNP chief should be exempt from having to directly address the people,” Poe said.
But PNP spokesman C/Supt. Reuben Sindac explained that there was just a miscommunication between the two parties.
“The Chief of PNP submits to the authority of the Senate and he respects that. Kaya po sa susunod na pagimbita he said he will be there,” Sindac said.
Police officers have been implicated in several crimes during the last few months which stirred public opinion against Purisima’s silence.
Most notable among the incidents was the involvement of cops in an alleged extortion hit or “hulidap” along a major thoroughfare last September 1. Seven of the suspects have been arrested.
