Palparan still under AFP custody despite conviction

September 25, 2018

Retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan Jr. is still in custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines despite a court order for his transfer to the National Bilibid Prison after his conviction in the abduction of two University of Philippines Los Baños students who have remained for 12 years.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Palparan has not been transferred to New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City as ordered by the Malolos, Bulacan Regional Trial court Branch 15.

"Gen. Palparan is still with AFP despite the commitment order issued by the RTC," Guearra said, in a text message sent to reporters.

Guevarra said the DOJ will check with the AFP why the transfer of Palparan and company to the NBP was delayed.

Palparan and his two co-accused - Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio - were found guilty for kidnapping and serious illegal detention of missing UPLB students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño, who were snatched in Barangay San Miguel, Hagonoy, Bulacan in June 2006.

They were also ordered to indemnify the family of the missing with P100,000 in civil damages and P200,000 as moral damages in the verdict handed down by Judge Alexander Tamayo.

The three filed an appeal on the RTC's decision, but government prosecutors stressed that Palparan and company should be immediately brought to the NBP pending resolution of their appeal.  DMS