MANILA, Philippines—After denying the statement of the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) that the military has been coddling fugitive ex-Major General Jovito Palparan, the Philippine Army urged Palparan on Thursday to give himself up.
“We firmly believe that the best option for General Palparan is to voluntarily surrender and clear his name,” the Army spokesperson, Major Harold Cabunoc, said in a statement.
The Army official denied “apprehensions” expressed by the international rights group that the military could be interfering in the civilian judicial process regarding Palparan’s case, as well as that of his co-accused.
“The Army, as a professional organization, respects the rule of law and our justice system. We practice transparency and accountability in our organization,” Cabunoc said.
He pointed out that the Army voluntarily surrendered two of Palparan’s co-accused, Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Anotado and Staff Sergeant Edgardo Osorio, upon learning that warrants for their arrest had been issued by a Malolos, Bulacan judge.
“If anyone can give names of these alleged Palparan coddlers, we will promptly impose disciplinary actions and let them face criminal cases that will be filed against them,” Cabunoc said.
On Wednesday, HRW deputy Asia director Elaine Pearson said President Aquino “should get the message to the military that the years of protecting Palparan for grievous abuses are over.”
“Officers and soldiers alike should be on notice that if they block civilian authorities in arresting Palparan, they too will face legal consequences,” Pearson said in a statement.
Palparan, who carries a P1-million bounty, is charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention for the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in 2006.
He was last seen on December 19, 2011 at Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in the Clark Freeport. He was preparing to board a plane bound for Singapore but was prevented from leaving by immigration personnel.