Lawyers of missing student activists protest transfer of 2 Palparan co-accused to Army

MANILA, Philippines — Lawyers of the two missing student activists denounced the transfer of the co-accused of retired Major General Jovito Palparan into the custody of the Philippine Army.

“It dilutes the hitherto significant gain and import of making the perpetrators of human rights violations accountable and to be treated without special accommodation,” one of the private prosecutors Edre Olalia said in a text message.

Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Anotado and Staff/Sergeant Edgardo Osorio were placed under the custody of the Philippine Army after they expressed fear for their safety at a Bulacan jail where suspected criminals and communist rebels were detained.

Anotado, Osorio, along with Palparan, are facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention for the abduction of still missing Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan of the University of the Philippines.

Olalia said they were not notified by the transfer which was done last Friday.

The three accused are members of the Philippine Army when they allegedly abducted the two students.

“It practically means they will be ‘at home’ in the good company and graces of their own who will cuddle them.”