No special treatment for Palparan at Bilibid

FILE: This was the response of the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on the resignation that was offered by the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Director Chief Supt. Joseph Adnol, following the beating incident after the PNPA commencement exercises on March 21. (Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA — There will be no special treatment for retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan who will be detained at the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said Monday.

The BuCor chief said the retired Army official will undergo normal procedures.

“The (first) five days quarantine period, he will undergo medical examination to determine (his) physical state and mental health. Then he will (undergo) briefing on prison rule and regulations,” dela Rosa told reporters.

Dela Rosa said once Palparan arrives at the NBP, he will go to Reception Diagnostic Center (RDC) and will stay there for 60 days.

“Then after five days, the remaining 55 days will be used for assessment purposes to assess him on what program will be reformatory or rehabilitation program to undergo while serving his sentence. After 60 days, we will be ready to transfer (him) to his regular dormitory,” dela Rosa told reporters on Monday when sought for comment.

Dela Rosa noted that Palparan will be placed at the maximum security compound because he was sentenced to reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years, which is the highest penalty.

On Monday, the Malolos City Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Palparan and Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado Jr. and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of University of the Philippines (UP) students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006.

Malolos RTC Branch 15 Judge Alexander Tamayo sentenced the three to reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years.

They was also ordered by the court to pay the amount of pay PHP300,000 each in civil indemnity and moral damages to the families of the two UP students.

On Aug. 12, 2014, Palparan was arrested in a house in Sta. Mesa, Manila after three years in hiding.

He was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Malolos RTC in 2011 in connection with the kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges filed by the relatives of the two missing UP students.

Prior to the promulgation of the case, Palparan was detained in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.