Trillanes wants Palparan transferred to AFP detention facility

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Photo courtesy of Trillanes’ Facebook page.

MANILA – Military officer-turned Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Sunday pushed for the transfer of retired Major General Jovito Palparan to an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) detention facility for security reason.

Trillanes, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, made this recommendation after inspecting Palparan’s condition at the detention facility at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

“We were informed of the existing threats to the life of Gen. Palparan. To make sure that he is secure, it would be best that he is transferred to a detention facility of the AFP,” Trillanes, a former Navy officer, said.

”This is also proper since the alleged crimes he committed were related to his functions as a commander in the Philippine Army,” said Trillanes.

Trillanes added that if the AFP, as an institution, will not guarantee the protection of Palparan, it might cause demoralization among the ranks.

”This may set a precedent that our soldiers will have to face lawsuits for performing their duty as members of the military after their separation from active service,” Trillanes explained.

Trillanes, however, emphasized that he is not absolving Palparan who is charged with two counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

“This effort does not mean to absolve Gen. Palparan of the charges he is facing and I am also sure that the AFP will not intervene in the legal processes. We are only aiming to ensure the he is protected from any acts of retribution while he is in detention,” Trillanes said.

Palparan was arrested last Tuesday in his Sta. Mesa hideout, three years after a Bulacan court issued warrant of arrest against him.