Background
Purisima grew up in San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur.
Purisima grew up in San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur.
After finishing high school, Purisima entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1977 and graduated from the academy in 1981. After his graduation from military academy he joined the Philippine Constabulary. He graduated from the Manuel L. Quezon University in 1995.
He earned a Masters of Public Administration degree from the university.
He served as Director General of the Philippine National Police between December 17, 2012 and February 5, 2015. Early He was the executive officer of the Special Reaction Unit from 1988-1989. On June 30, 2015, he was dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged involvement in a ₱100-million anomalous deal between the Philippine National Police and WerFast Documentary Agency, Incorporated, a private courier company.