Napeñas: I am not, I was not, I will never be a ‘bata’ of Purisima

Claiming that he worked his way up the ladder, relieved PNP-Special Action Command chief Director Getulio Napeñas denied Monday that he was a ‘bata’ (protégé) of resigned Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima. 

“I am not, I was not, I will never be a ‘bata’ of Director General Purisima, neither of any official from both the military and the police, nor any politician or person for that matter,” Napeñas said in his speech belying the claims of retired Chief Supt. Rodolfo ‘Boogie’ Mendoza.

Mendoza reportedly said in television interviews that Napeñas is a favored officer of Purisima, the reason the the former SAF commander  gave importance to the words of the resigned PNP chief.

 

He added that he has never been under the command of Purisima in whatever capacity in his career except when the latter was the chief of PNP and Napeñas was the head of the SAF. 

 

“I can look anyone, and I mean anyone, and tell him face-to-face that I worked my way up the ladder not because of my connections but because of my performance, perseverance, dedication, credibility, dignity, and integrity,” he said. 

 

He claimed that he has been in the government service for 36 years since 1978 when he entered the military. Napeñas is a product of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982 while Purisima graduated one year ahead of him. 

 

Further, Napeñas said he has been assigned in several posts in Mindanao and joined the PNP contingent to the United Nations mission in Cambodia and East Timor. 

 

He said that he also attended various courses in the military, police, and civilian schools both in the country and abroad. He also has two Master degrees.

 

Purisima was present during the hearing.