Retired generals take up cudgels for Palparan

Retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan

MANILA, Philippines — A group of retired generals and officers decried the “trial by publicity” militant groups have been doing on retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan who was arrested early this week.

“Let him have his day in court and defend himself against his accusers. He is entitled to due process. Our justice system presumes that he is innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law,” Association of Generals and Officers President retired Lt.Gen. Edilberto P. Adan said in a statement on Friday.

He said that tagging Palparan as ‘berdugo’ and playing it up in the media does not help the quest for justice.

“We should not forget that the real enemies are those who resort to violence and intimidation to achieve their selfish political ends. In many societies, such actions are considered acts of terrorism, and those who commit them, terrorists”, he said.

Palparan was arrested early Tuesday in Sta. Mesa, Manila. He is facing charges before the local court for the disappearance of two students from the University of the Philippines. He is also accused of being responsible for extrajudicial killings of suspected communist rebels during the time of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“If he had abused his power and authority or committed any crime against anyone as the militants claim, then allow him to face his accusers, and they should present evidence for evaluation by competent authorities so that justice maybe served. Lest we forget, this is how it works in a democracy,” Adan said.

The AGFO has about 800 retired military officials as members.