By Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre

HE is a man of few words, unusual for a police officer. He’d rather that his men, the chiefs of police, speak for the accomplishments of their units (he doesn’t want to take that glory away from them, he says) or defend their actions or inactions in situations or incidents that happen in their respective areas.
Police Senior Supt. Alan L. Purisima, though unceremoniously relieved as provincial director of Pangasinan, took his marching order silently. He bade farewell to the chiefs of police and unit commanders through text.
Gov. Victor E. Agbayani, officers and members of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office and the media were all caught by surprise.

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Called up PRO-1 director Chief Supt. Alfredo B. de Vera Jr. Tuesday afternoon and asked why the sudden exit for Supt. Purisima. He said it will actually be a promotion for Supt. Purisima as he will be designated Chief of the Directorial Staff of Eastern Police District (which is under the jurisdiction of the National Capital Region Police District).
Gen. De Vera said the position cannot wait long for the availability of Col. Purisima.
But why not give him a graceful exit if he is being promoted?

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The same situation happened in 2000. Then Supt. Joel R. Goltiao was relieved as police provincial director allegedly for his failure to stop jueteng in the province. He was three months short of completing his two-year stint in the province.
His relief landed in the front pages of newspapers. The decision clearing him did not create as much noise as when he was relieved.
It was better for then Senior Supt. Leopoldo N. Bataoil. Though unexpectedly relieved as provincial director despite his accomplishments, the set-up was clearer as beforehand it was reported that he will be promoted as PRO-1 chief of staff.
Senior Supt. Arturo Cacdac suffered the same fate as that of Goltiao. It was the same three-strike police on illegal gambling that caused their relief. He was relieved together with Supt. Noli G. Taliño, then Dagupan City police chief. The two requested NAPOLCOM and DILG for an impartial investigation on the charges hurled against them. Taliño resigned, Cacdac was posted at the Aviation Security Command.
They were later cleared. Taliño returned to Dagupan City, Cacdac opted not to.
Purisima is also requesting for an impartial investigation.
I hope the same fair judgment is given him.

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Undersecretary Antonio “Bebot” A. Villar Jr. celebrated his birthday Friday evening at the Tabing Ilog. Among those spotted in the party were Gov. Agbayani, Vice Gov. Oscar B. Lambino, Cong. Mark O. Cojuangco, Gen. De Vera, retired Gen. Cabreros and his wife, Bayambang Mayor Leocadio de Vera and a good number of mayors, Rachel Arenas, the baby and unica hija of philantrophist Baby Arenas.
Happy birthday sir!
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Meanwhile, Speaker Jose de Venecia’s and Manay Gina’s daughter Carissa will have her despedida de soltera and her and Juju J. Evagelista’s civil wedding reception on March 29 at the Harbour Garden Tent of the Hotel Philipine Plaza.
Carissa Perez Cruz is an undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Congratulations and best wishes to the couple!.