Docs tell PNP chief: Go on a diet

MANILA, Philippines - Doctors who examined Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima yesterday told him to go on a diet as he was at increased risk for hypertension.

Purisima, who celebrated his 55th birthday yesterday, led the annual medical and physical checkup for police officers at the PNP multi-purpose center in Camp Crame.

PNP General Hospital spokesman Chief Inspector Raymond Santos said Purisima’s blood pressure, recorded at 130/80, was “normal” for someone in his condition.

However, doctors found him to be in the pre-hypertension stage and told him to observe his diet and do some exercise to improve his health, Santos said.

At least 50 other police officials aged 40 and above underwent medical checkup and physical fitness test as part of the PNP’s fitness program.

Purisima, however, remains tight-lipped on the issue of his unexplained wealth.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said Purisima insisted he has no property in Talisay, Batangas, contrary to reports.

He said Purisima has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to find out who is behind the allegations.

ABS-CBN earlier reported that Purisima owns a 9.5-hectare property in Batangas, which he bought in 2007. The property was later subdivided into 11 titles under the names of Purisima and a certain Oscarlito Mapalo, a former Army colonel.

The report added the property has reportedly been sold for P4 million but remains under Purisima’s name. The property was not declared in his statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth, ABS-CBN said.