PNP chief rates self with nearly perfect score

MANILA, Philippines - Nine out of 10.

That's how Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima graded himself as the leader of the police force despite accusations of weak leadership and hidden wealth.

Purisima made the self-rating during the televised Senate hearing on the issues hounding the PNP where he vowed to strengthen intelligence measures against criminal activities, particularly those involving policemen.

The PNP chief also accepted the suggestion of Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public order, to increase police visibility to deter crimes.

"'Yung increased presence or quality of police services, mapag-iigtingin din natin 'yan kapag meron talagang naglalakad na mga pulis sa iba't ibang oras," the senator told Purisima.

Poe also urged the PNP chief to make himself more visible to police officers and to the public.

"The public will look up to you in case of crime. I think they would like to hear directly from the PNP Chief about what is being done and also instead of just your spokesperson," Poe told Purisima.

Purisima and the PNP are currently under fire over the perceived increase of criminality and brazenness of illegal activities, including kidnappings and incidents involving PNP personnel.

Poe noted that the crime volume so far this year - 603,485 - is already close to the recorded number in 2013 - 631,406.

Purisima is also facing plunder, graft and indirect bribery complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over his alleged inaccurate Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and the controversial construction of his official residence in Camp Crame.

For Poe, Purisima gave "inconsistencies" in his answers regarding the controversies during the Senate hearing.

"It's the inconsistencies of some of your answers that really gave way to the suspicions that are being felt by many," Poe said.

In his opening statement at the hearing, Purisima said those who are attacking him and the PNP are against his reforms.

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