Palparan arrest show gov’t commitment to bring all wanted people to justice

Retired Major General Jovito Palparan is wanted for the alleged kidnapping and illegal detention of two student-activists from the University of the Philippines. (Screengrab from Rappler footage)

MANILA — The arrest of retired Major Gen. Jovito Palparan, who is wanted for the alleged abduction and disappearance of two UP coeds, is a clear manifestation of the government’s commitment to bring all people wanted by the law to the bar of justice.

This was stressed by 1st Civil Relations Group commander Major Emmanuel Garcia on Monday.

“This is also a chance for Major General Palparan to defend himself at the proper forum and at the same time seek medical help due to his age and health condition,” he added.

As it is, Garcia said the case of Palparan must be left to the court to hear and decide.

Garcia’s unit is attached to the Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command.

Palparan was arrested last Aug. 12 in Sta. Mesa, Manila after a three-year flight from authorities.

Palparan went into hiding after the Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 14 issued a warrant arrest for him, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado Jr., Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio and Master Sgt. Rizal Hilario in 2011 for the disappearance of UP students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan on June 26, 2006.

Anotado and Osorio voluntarily surrendered. Hilario remains at large.

Palparan’s last assignment at the Army was commander of the Nueva Ecija-based 7th Infantry Division. He retired from the service in Sept. 11, 2006.