Sandiganbayan acquits ex-PNP chief Purisima from perjury charges

Former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima was acquitted by Sandiganbayan from eight counts of perjury on Friday.

According to a report by Super Radyo dzBB's Allan Gatus on Dobol B sa News TV, the anti-graft court's Second Division found the evidence presented by the prosecution insufficient.

The perjury charges, filed in 2018, stemmed from Purisima's alleged failure to declare his four firearms and properties in Nueva Ecija and Ilocos in his Statement of Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

Following the acquittal, Purisima will receive the bail bond that he previously paid for provisional liberty. 

The hold departure order issued against him in relation to the charges will also be lifted.

Just last month, the Sandiganbayan also acquitted Purisima and former PNP Special Action Force chief Getulio Napeñas of graft and usurpation charges linked to the deadly Mamasapano clash in 2015. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News