Palace: Don't judge PNP based on Purisima's leadership

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Wednesday said it is not fair to judge the entire Philippine National Police (PNP) based only on the perceived failed leadership of its chief, Director General Alan Purisima.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a televised press briefing that the PNP continues to perform its mandate amid the allegations hurled against its chief.

"The police force is more than General Purisima. The performance of the police force is not measured on how one assesses General Purisima," he said.

Lacierda believes the public should judge the PNP based on the performance of each policeman.

"There are many committed men and women in the police force who do their job commendably," Lacierda said.

Purisima is facing a plunder complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly failing to declare the true value of his properties in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN).

He is also under fire for the supposed increase in criminal activities in the country, particularly those involving policemen.

Purisima testified on Wednesday at the Senate hearing on law enforcement issues where he claimed that groups or individuals affected by his reforms are the ones attacking him.

He also gave his performance as PNP chief a grade of nine out of 10.

Malacañang continues to defend the country's top cop, saying he responded to the accusations thrown at him truthfully.

"All I can say is that he answered with candor and truthfulness and it is based on the documents submitted and also the SALN," Lacierda said.

Lacierda added that Purisima remains committed to his campaign against corrupt and abusive cops.

"If there are any complaint against any police personnel, we can rely on General Pusirima's commitment to rid the PNP of the scalawags," the Palace official said.