The arrest came after the Sandiganbayan ordered the issuance of arrest warrant against Purisima and 10 others who are facing graft charges in connection with the alleged anomalous courier service deal that the PNP entered into in 2011.
In a resolution dated May 18, the anti-graft court Sixth Division said it found probable cause to try Purisima for graft and thus issued the arrest warrant.
“After judicious scrutiny and evaluation of the Information and resolution of the prosecutor, the evidence in support thereof and the records of the preliminary investigation attached thereto, the Court finds that sufficient grounds exist for the finding of a probable cause and for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against all the accused,” the court said.
The court thus rendered moot and academic Purisima’s motion to quash his graft charge and defer the arrest warrant.
The former PNP chief immediately filed for bail and will have to pay the P30,000 bail bond for his provisional liberty from detention. (Eagle News)
