Palparan emissaries seek assurances of safety- -PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines—Emissaries from retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan are seeking an assurance from the Philippine National Police that he would be in safe hands if taken into custody in connection with charges stemming from his alleged involvement in the disappearance of two student activists in 2006.

PNP Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said emissaries negotiating on behalf of Palparan wanted to be assured that his security would not be compromised.

“We assure them that he will be properly secured,” Bartolome told reporters at Camp Crame.

He said Palparan, who has gone into hiding since a Malolos court issued a warrant for his arrest over the cases of missing University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan, had no reason to fear for his life while in PNP custody.

Bartolome said there was a possibility Palparan would be detained at the Camp Crame detention center, but this would depend on the court, which would issue a commitment order for his incarceration once arrested.

He confirmed receiving feelers from Palparan’s camp about a possible surrender.

“Yes. We have also received surrender feelers. We are talking to some people. But of course we will always give this consideration. All this information we are getting from the community and from those who would like to negotiate,” Bartolome said.

He said the emissaries had been talking to his subordinates but not directly to him.

“We’re always hopeful that he will come out to face the charges. If not, if he does not come out voluntarily, we will find him,” Bartolome said.

Asked if the emissaries from Palparan had laid out conditions for his surrender, he said: “There’s none. Their concern is that we take care of him well. Of course, anybody in that position would want their condition to be safe.”

No reward  has been put up for Palparan’s capture, but Bartolome said there have been informal discussions, and the bounty may depend on available funds.