These past few months and weeks, I have strongly criticized Malacañang’s plan to appoint then deputy chief Allan Purisima of the Philipine National Police, as the country’s top cop, replacing director general Nicanor Bartolome.

I have been a police reporter for almost a decade and have known and followed the career of Purisima when he was still a superintendent (lieutenant colonel in the army).

Purisima was not really an outstanding officer when it comes to operations and disciplining of his men but he accomplished his missions.

Nevertheless, General Purisima took over the command last week of the National Police from general Bartolome, who was forcibly retired early by Malacañang.

Two days after assuming the post as the chief of police, four robbery hold-up men were killed by policemen in a running gun battle, while three more robbers were arrested that same day.

According to my source in Camp Crame, Purisima, hours after assuming his post, immediately called a command and staff conference and ordered his subordinates to go after criminals and wanted results immediately.

The same source told me that on the same meeting, the new chief told the commanders present not to be lenient on their abusive men and dismiss them from the service if they have to.

Purisima’s new leadership style is a far cry from his old command strategy because now, he shows that he means business.

At the rate Purisima is doing, he may instantly earn not only the respect and trust of his fellow officers and men but the entire nation as well.

Go, go, go General Purisima.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.