Palparan’s hiding shows his guilt — prosecutor

Retired General Jovito Palparan faced the media earlier today, says he is expecting arrest. Photo: Carlo Mateo / DZBB via Twitter

MANILA — A state prosecutor said on Tuesday that retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan’s flight which lasted for three years is an indication of his guilt.

In a Philippine Daily Inquirer report, the prosecutor said that his hiding only means that he is responsible for the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.

Palparan, who was among the list of the country’s most-wanted fugitives was captured in what used to be a lair of the New People’s Army in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Others in the government’s “Big Five” list includes Delfin Lee, Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, and former Dinagat Rep. Ruben Ecleo.

“They continue to be on the list of high-profile and at-large suspects and our law enforcers continue to work to find them and make them accountable [for their crimes],” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma told a news briefing in Malacañang.

Meanwhile, Malacanang also noted Palparan’s capture is a fulfillment of President Aquino’a promise.

“President Aquino promised that those who evade the law will be found. The promise to capture General Palparan has been fulfilled today,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

Palparan earlier mentioned that he already wanted to surrender to the president but was forced to go into hiding when the president refused.