Reacting to the statement of GPH chief peace negotiator Alexander A. Padilla that “every act of violence will affect peace talks” and so the NDFP must “lay down arms,“ Karapatan today called the government’s attention saying that it is its acts of violence through Oplan Bayanihan that terrorize and violate the human dignity of the population.

“We are becoming tired of this government’s empty promises, publicity stints and lies.  As the AFP heralds Oplan Bayanihan’s adherence to human rights, six barangay officials and two children from Bgy. Hinagunuyan , Catubig, Samar were declared as NPA surrenderees after they were abducted. The six, and the two children were taken, purportedly for questioning, by elements of the 34th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) in Northern Samar,” declared Marie Hilao-Enriquez, chairperson of Karapatan.

“The P-Noy government’s failure to arrest the fugitive Gen. Jovito Palparan more than a month after the Regional Trial Court of Bulacan issued a warrant of arrest allows Palparan and his lawyers to play with truth, justice and sadly, the emotions of the mothers of the two missing students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno,” said Jigs Clamor, deputy Secretary General of Karapatan.  

Today marks the first hearing at the Malolos City Regional Trial Court on the cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed by the mothers of missing University of the Philippines activists Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno against "The Butcher" Ret. Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr., M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio.