Aquino: I have accepted Purisima's resignation

From Rappler (Feb 6): Aquino: I have accepted Purisima's resignation

President Benigno Aquino III faces the nation for the second time in nearly 2 weeks to address lingering concerns over the January 25 Mamasapano clash

JUSTICE FOR SAF 44. With some coffins behind him, President Benigno Aquino III tries to comfort families of the elite cops killed in a clash with Moro rebels in Maguindanao, at necrological services in Camp Bagong Diwa on January 30, 2015. Photo by Dennis Sabangan/EPA

 

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday, February 6, announced that he has made the "painful decision" to accept the resignation of suspended Philippine National Police Chief Director General Alan Purisima.

 

After narrating the basis of his long-standing friendship with Purisima, Aquino said in Filipino: "You can understand how painful it is for me that General Purisima is leaving the service this way. I have accepted his resignation, effective immediately."

The President made the announcement in his second national address since the bloody clash between members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) and rebels forces in Maguindanao that claimed the lives of 44 elite cops on January 25.

Aquino's national address comes as morale among the police ranks is low, weighed down by the death of their comrades, and the alleged lack of empathy of the Chief Executive toward the families of the slain SAF troopers.

On Thursday, February 5, Rappler reported that Aquino told close Cabinet members that suspended Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima was on his way out.
A Palace source had said that the President announced to Cabinet members that he accepted Purisima's "resignation."

Under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or Republic Act 3019, a person with a pending corruption case – like Purisima – cannot resign until the resolution of his case, and must be "relieved."

Sources from the Office of the Ombudsman told Rappler, however, that if Purisima would resign, his pending administrative and criminal cases will continue.

Purisima was allegedly in charge of the Mamasapano operation despite being suspended on December 4, 2014, over graft charges.

In his first national address on the incident on January 28, the President had said that he was in touch with Purisima regarding the operation, but only for help to "understand the jargon."

That day, Aquino denied that Purisima was in charge of the operation, only saying he was in control until he was suspended.

On January 25, some 392 SAF commandos entered Mamasapano town in Maguindanao, a known bailiwick of the MILF, to serve arrests warrants to alleged Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir, better known as "Marwan” – who they successfully killed – and Abdul Basit Usman.

The MILF blames the failure of the PNP SAF team to coordinate with them, as provided by its agreement with the government on operations in known MILF territories.

The incident occurred less than a year after the group signed a landmark peace deal with the Philippine government, and as lawmakers deliberate on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which seeks to create an autonomous region initially headed by the MILF.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/83164-aquino-purisima-resignation-accept