Fugitive former Army Gen. Jovito Palparan is helped to his seat during a news conference at the NBI following his capture in Manila. AP
MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) admitted that they will have difficulty providing security for the transfer of retired General Jovito Palparan to the Bulacan Provincial Jail.
Atty. Rommel Vallejo, chief of the NBI’s Anti-Organized Crime Division, said they will ask for the Philippine National Police’s assistance to augment Palparan’s security.
“I have to admit that the NBI cannot provide the security given the distance of the Malolos Jail. We will surely ask the assistance of the PNP and the local NBI,” Vallejo told reporters.
“The threat to his life is something that should not be taken lightly,” Vallejo said.
Palparan, on Tuesday said he had doubts if the government can protect him. He said left leaning groups already condemned him “dead man walking.”
Health wise, Vallejo said a doctor is monitoring the condition of Palparan.
Initial findings showed that he was undernourished.
The doctor, according to Vallejo recommended that Palparan undergo complete blood chemistry to determine if he is fit. He added that Palparan slept at the holding center because it was near the clinic.
“If the doctor said he is not in a good condition, we do not see anything wrong if we ask the [Bulacan] court for some time until his condition improves. He is in our custody. If something happens to him, it will be the responsibility of the NBI,” he added.
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