Activists laud Palparan conviction

SAN PEDRO CITY – Activists in Southern Tagalog welcomed the conviction of retired Army Major Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. and two others, considering it a legal “victory” also for the other political activists slain in the region.

Casey Cruz of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Tagalog said activists are massing up in Barangay Pulo, Cabuyao City, Laguna in a hastily called propaganda action in relation to Monday’s promulgation.

The Maloloca Regionalt Trial Court in Bulacan on Monday found Palparan, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado Jr., S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio guilty of two counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.

Cadapan’s mother, Elinda, left Los Baños Laguna early Monday to join Empeño’s family and other activists for the promulgation.

“This goes to show that we can do something to state fascism. There are still a lot of injustices happening and we will continue to fight those responsible for all violations of human rights,” Cruz said.

Palparan was formerly assigned in the Mindoro provinces during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Activists have tagged him “the butcher” for the string of killings of mass activists, among them Eden Marcellana and Eddie Gumanoy in 2003. /kga