If there are two words that would best describe the distinction between NCRPO chief Gen. Debold Sinas and Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Kristoffer James Purisima, these are trust and confidence.
President Rodrigo Duterte sacked the deputy chief of one of the government’s disaster response offices due to “loss of trust and confidence,” while the chief of NCRPO gains them.
Purisima, who holds the rank of assistant secretary, was removed from his post effective Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
“The Palace confirms that Office of the Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima has been relieved from his post effective immediately due to loss of trust and confidence,” Roque said in a statement.
The OCD is the implementing arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council or NDRRMC. Purisima’s functions included managing the impact of calamities.
While Sinas clearly violated quarantine protocols during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Duterte stood by his side and publicly confirmed that the general will stay as NCRPO chief.
“Kailangan ko yung tao. There are also others who are competent but seniority wise, I believe it is time for him to be there,” said Duterte during his taped public address.
“Mañanita nga. Well, if sabihin mo na ‘the law is the law’, sa akin na yun. It’s my responsibility but I will not order his transfer. He stays there until further order,” Duterte explained confidently during his recent address.
