There will be no testimonial parade to honor resigned National Police Chief Director General Alan Purisima when he goes into retirement this November. Purisima’s alma mater, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), traditionally holds a testimonial parade for high ranking alumni who retire.
The reason is that Purisima has requested the PMA leadership not to bother planning a testimonial parade for him when he retires in November this year, Maj. Jean Alia Robles, PMA spokesperson, said.
“General Purisima waived the testimonial parade. We still do not know why,” said Robles, quoting the information given to her by Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez, the PMA superintendent.
Yesterday, the PMA held a testimonial parade to honor Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, PNP officer-in-charge, who will retire next month.
TESTIMONIAL PARADE
Robles explained that the PMA sponsors a testimonial parade to honor all its alumni who either showed outstanding service to the people or who reach the rank of general.
She clarified, though, that not all PMA alumni who reach the star rank are feted, saying some factors are brought into consideration.
“We have a board that deliberates on whether or not an alumnus is worthy to be given a testimonial parade,” said Robles.
She explained that the deliberation of the PMA Board on whether or not a retiring police and military officials who graduated in the Academy usually happen a few weeks before the scheduled retirement.
As far as she knows, Robles said all former PNP chiefs and military chiefs of staff who are graduates of PMA are given a testimonial parade.
Purisima is set to retire in November this year. He is a member of PMA Dimalupig Class of 1981.
MANILA BULLETIN
