Bishop Purugganan was one of seven Catholic bishops who courageously denounced martial law and the Marcos dictatorship. He set up the Basic Christian Communities Community Organizing (BCC-CO) nationwide and organized and mobilized the oppressed and exploited to stand up for their rights, collectively advance their interests and fight for their fundamental national and democratic aspirations.
Si Bishop Purugganan ay isa sa pitong Katolikong obispo na matapang na nakipaglaban sa batas militar at sa diktadurang Marcos. Itinayo niya ang Basic Christian Communities Community Organizing (BCC-CO) sa buong bansa na nag-organisa at nagmobilisa sa mga inaapi at pinagsasamantalahang mamamayan para igiit ang kanilang karapatan, kolektibong isulong ang kanilang interes at ipaglaban ang kanilang batayang pambansa at demokratikong mga mithiin.