The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the dismissal of former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima.
In a 37-page decision dated May 2, 2017, the Special 16th Division, through Associate Justice Ramon Cruz, junked Purisima’s petition for lack of merit.
Aside from dismissal from then service, the former PNP Chief was also meted the penalties of forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of his civil service eligibility, and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in government service.
Purisima was the former PNP chief during the term of former Philippine president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. He also figured in the planning of OPLAN Exodus that led to the tragic Mamasapano tragedy on January 25, 2015, although he had already been suspended as PNP chief at the time.
Purisima was dismissed from the service due to his alleged involvement in the anomalous deal with the private courier service firm WERFAST Documentary Agency.
The anti-graft body found that Purisima and 10 others were guilty of grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty in June 2015.
Aside from Purisima, the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of the following officers:
- Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, former police chief of Central Luzon;
- Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles;
- Senior Superintendent Allan Parreño;
- Senior Superintendent Eduardo Acierto;
- Senior Superintendent Melchor Reyes;
- Superintendent Lenbell Fabia;
- Chief Inspector Sonia Calixto;
- Chief Inspector Nelson Bautista;
- Chief Inspector Ricardo Zapata Jr.; and
- Senior Inspector Ford Tuazon