Palparan would not get legal assistance from AFP

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—He may be a former Army General, but retired Major General Jovito Palparan won’t expect any legal help from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief, said the military would not extend any legal assistance to the arrested fugitive once he fights his cases on the court.

“Maj. Gen. Palparan is already retired and we have no jurisdiction over him,” Zagala said Wednesday. “Whatever legal remedy he needs, he must get it in civilian capacity.”

Palparan is charged with two counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention after the disappearances of Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in 2006, both student-activists from the University of the Philippines.

Even without the support from the military, AFP Spokesman Major General Domingo Tutaan said Palparan could still ask help from the Public Assistance Office as he is now a civilian.

Palparan retired from the force in September of 2006.

Zagala said the AFP can only extend legal assistance to those who are still in the active duty.

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