Ex-PNP chief Purisima to receive salary, allowances after suspension

After his six-month preventive suspension ends next week, resigned Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima is entitled to receive once again his salary and other benefits before his mandatory retirement on November 21.

In a phone interview with GMA News Online, PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Bartolome Tobias said Purisima, whose suspension order will end on June 10, will be placed under the police's Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit until he retires.

"Makakatanggap pa rin siya ng kanyang salary, subsistence allowances, other benefits until his retirement in November," he said. "Sa holding unit siya."

A source told GMA News Online that personnel placed in the unit are on non-duty status.

"Not necessarily mga pa-retire na personnel ang nandito," the source explained. "Naka-hold lang sila, 'yung mga walang duty o walang assignment, naghihintay na may ma-assign sa kanila."

"Mga pulis pa rin naman sila kaya makakatanggap pa rin ng salary at benefits," the source added.

Early retirement?

Meanwhile, asked if Purisima had expressed any plans to retire early, Tobias said he has no knowledge on it.

"Basta unless he opts for an early retirement, he will continue receiving benefits," he said.

GMA News Online tried to reach Purisima through his lawyer Kristoffer Purisima, but calls have yet to be returned as of posting time.

Until Purisima's retirement in November, the incoming PNP chief, who will replace PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina in July, will serve in an acting capacity.

There could only be one official with four-star rank, which is required to have full police chief capacity.

Four-star rank

Purisima currently holds the four-star rank, which is the highest rank in the PNP, despite resigning from the position on Feb. 6 amid the controversy over the Mamasapano operation, which cost the lives of 44 PNP Special Action Force commandos.

Critics have alleged that Purisima was the one in charge of the operation even though he was under suspension in connection with a graft case at the time of planning and execution. He has since denied the allegations, claiming that he was merely giving advice.
 
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981, Purisima will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Nov. 21, 2015.

Espina, Purisima's classmate in the PMA, has been serving in an acting capacity since Purisima's suspension in December. He is retiring in July. —KBK, GMA News