"The last ray of hope for justice has just been doused. Palparan is essentially freed, and Malacanang welcomes it," said Lorena Santos, secretary general of Families of Desaparecidos for Justice as the Malolos Regional Trial Court resolved to transfer Ret. Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan to Philippine Army Custodial Center.
"The last ray of hope for justice has just been doused. Palparan is essentially freed, and Malacanang welcomes it," said Lorena Santos, secretary general of Families of Desaparecidos for Justice as the Malolos Regional Trial Court resolved to transfer Ret. Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan to Philippine Army Custodial Center.
"The basis of the decision is unclear. The police warden of Bulacan Provincial Jail Col. Flamenco admitted in court that his basis for the so-called threat to Palparan’s life is purely speculative," Santos said.
"Mabuti ka pa nga, Gen. Palparan andito ka. Nadadalaw ka ng anak at asawa mo. Ang anak ko asan ngayon? (You’re in a better position, Gen. Palparan. You’re in jail. Your children and your wife can visit you. How about my daughter, where is she now?)" Mrs. Connie Empeno shouted at the end of the hearing, unable to contain herself from the disappointment.
Both Santos and Empeno attended the hearing and were able to witness how Judge Teodora Gonzales of the Malolos RTC used the premise of lack of funds and security of other inmates at the Bulacan Provincial Jail to grant Palparan’s transfer.
"This is yet another proof that the Aquino regime and the Armed Forces of the Philippines coddle butchers like Palparan and are protecting him," Santos said. "Bringing Palparan back to camp is good as saying, he is back in power among his minions," Santos said.
Palparan’s co-accused Col. Felipe Anotado and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio are also at the Philippine Army Custodial Center. Palparan is facing charges of kidnapping with serious illegal detention for the disappearance of Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan. ###