Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday welcomed the conviction of former Major General Jovito Palparan, Jr. and two others for the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines (UP) students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006.
“Justice may come a bit late, but it does come. Let’s believe in that,” Guevarra said in a message sent to reporters.
Judge Alexander Tamayo of Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 15 issued the verdict sentencing Palparan and two others –Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Anotado and Staff Sergeant Edgardo Osorio– to reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.
READ: Palparan guilty of kidnapping UP students
Meanwhile, an alias warrant against the other accused, M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario, who remains at large, was ordered by the court.
Palparan, Anotado, and Osorio were also ordered to pay P100,000 for civil indemnity and P200,000 for moral damages for each count.
Tamayo ordered them committed to the New Bilibid Prison. /vvp