More calls for resignation

The seven-member Makabayan bloc in the House, headed by Congressmen Carlos Zarate and Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna; Luz Ylagan and Emi de Jesus of Gabriela; Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers; Fernando Hicap of Anakpawis; and Terry Ridon of Kabataan, renewed calls for President Aquino to resign following the recent ruling of the Supreme Court on the administration’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the Mamasapano incident.

The Makabayan bloc declared that the President must resign for the sake of the nation, to save our nation from further disasters, moral bankruptcy and massive poverty.

The bloc also criticized the President for authorizing suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima to run the Special Action Force (SAF) “Operation Wolverine.” The group even called the President a liar, broke the chain of command, and violated  the required coordination in the peace agreements with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which are said to be  additional grounds for Aquino’s impeachment.

Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. has also issued a call for President Aquino’s resignation.

One big labor federation is all set to join the resignation call.

An ally of President Aquino, Liberal Party (LP) Congressman Rodolfo Biazon, has asked the House ad-hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to suspend its proceedings on the proposed law that seeks to create a bigger autonomous territory for Muslims in Mindanao until the results of the investigations are submitted. 

Alan Purisima resigns

Suspended PNP chief Alan Purisima has resigned, according to two Cabinet sources. It came days after the bloodbath killing of 44 police commandos on a mission to kill international terrorists in Maguindanao.

According to Vice President Binay’s spokesperson, the resignation of Purisima should not be used as a subterfuge for the truth in the bloody Mamasapano incident. He should still face the investigation to shed light over the killing of the 44 fallen heroes.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda denied that Roxas barged into a meeting between President Aquino and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to ask for the firing of suspended Alan Purisima and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.

Roxas allegedly said: “If you do not remove Alan Purisima, you will fall. That would trigger your downfall. This is the least that we can do for the families who are hurting and start to show the government is sincere and is doing something to ensure that justice is served.”

Earlier, Atty. Kristoffer James Purisima, the lawyer of Alan Purisima, said that his client has not tendered any resignation.

Roxas confirms Marwan’s death

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas announced that based on an official Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report received by him, the DNA testing conducted in Quantico, Virginia reveals that the severed finger tested by FBI showed consistency with samples taken from Marwan’s brother, Rahmat Abdhir, who is detained in California.

“It’s official, SAF got Marwan,” said Roxas as he released a copy of the official FBI report.

He instructed officer-in-charge (OIC) Director General Leonardo Espina to provide copies of FBI results to families of the 44 slain and 14 wounded soldiers and the entire SAF unit.

The FBI also furnished copy of their findings to the Philippine embassy in Washington through Police Attaché Jose Gentiles.

While the DNA sample from the finger matched that of his brother’s, the FBI said results of the laboratory analysis are preliminary and that further laboratory testing and analysis would be conducted.

Drilon, other senators welcome Purisima’s resignation

Senate President Franklin Drilon welcomed General Purisima’s resignation, adding that this will restore the morale of police personnel which has been greatly affected by the recent charges of corruptions against Purisima and the recent Mamasapano incident.

Drilon urged the President to immediately find a competent replacement for Purisima, one who will be able to effectively lead the PNP.

Senator Francis Escudero said Purisima’s replacement should be named as soon as possible.

Senator Grace Poe said Purisima shoud have resigned a long time ago.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on President Aquino to also reveal the truth about the Mamasapano incident, claiming the President has the sole authority to approve the operation.

General Purisima is scheduled to retire in November.

Tidbits

The City of Makati is giving P100,000 each and scholarships to the families of the 44 fallen SAF members, according to Mayor Junjun Binay. The 14 wounded were given P50,000 each.

President Aquino addressed the nation on the bloody Jan. 25 incident in Mamasapano at 6:30 p.m. last night, the second time he did since Jan. 28.

Dasmariñas village administrator Mustafa Macaindig and watchmen Pogi Pangandag and Macasandig Banyaga were shot dead. The police expressed belief that the village chairman Bong Pangadag was the assailant’s target.

Reynaldo Reyes was shot dead by riding-in-tandem in Bangkal, Makati.

Advance birthday greetings to Representative Gina Vera Perez de Venecia. Happy birthday also to Manong Johnny Ponce Enrile.