CITING the presence of real and credible threats to the life of former Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, a newly formed group of active military officers and men on Sunday demanded that the former lawmaker be transferred from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).
Sources from the newly created “Free Major General Jovito Palparan Movement” disclosed that they are committed to ensure his safety as they are also closely monitoring developments in his case.
The sources revealed that their group is composed of ordinary and middle ranked soldiers and is fully supported by a number of active top ranking officials.
The group’s primary agenda as of now, a source explained, is for Palparan to be detained at the ISAFP because of serious threats from a dedicated New People’s Army (NPA) hit squad that is out to get him.
“There are lots of us in the active service who are supporting Gen. Palparan. We have active generals [in our group], they are our silent supporters,” the source who requested anonymity told The Manila Times.
He said while Palparan remains in the NBI, “maximum security” should be enforced, and those assigned to secure the retired general should be well prepared against the suicide squad reportedly deployed by the NPA.
Another source noted that Palparan was a victim of political persecution and his close association with former President Gloria Arroyo may have done him in.
“It’s hard to cross paths with Pnoy,” he remarked, referring to President Noynoy, shortened to Pnoy (President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd).
Maj. Amado Gutierrez, spokesman for the Samar-based 8th Infantry Division (ID), said unfair treatment of Palparan would cause demoralization among soldiers.
“In my own opinion, this is not the opinion of the 8th ID. For me, Gen. Palparan is a good soldier. The government should see to it that his rights would be respected. Otherwise, it will cause demoralization among soldiers that look up to him,” Gutierrez added.
Another source said soldiers risk their lives and limbs to contain the underground movement but in the end, they are being persecuted as “violators” of human rights.
“Where are these human rights advocates whenever our soldiers are killed in ambush by the communists?” he asked.
Senator Antonio Trillanes 4th also on Sunday supported the calls for the transfer of Palparan from the NBI to a military detention facility.
He also warned of possible demoralization among the soldiers if the government fails to ensure the security and safety of the retired officer.
Trillanes, a former Navy officer, confirmed that the threat to Palparan’s life is true and should not be taken lightly.
“We were informed of the existing threats to the life of Gen. Palparan. To make sure that he is secure, it would be best that he is transferred to a detention facility of the AFP,” the senator said.
A Malolos City Regional Trial Court last Wednesday ordered the transfer of the former military officer to the Bulacan Provincial Jail.
Trillanes clarified that his call to transfer Palparan to a military facility is not meant to absolve the former general of the charges he is facing.
“We are only aiming to ensure the he is protected from any act of retribution while he is in detention,” the senator explained.
Trillanes too
Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th also supported the calls for the transfer of Palparan to a military detention facility as he warned of a possible demoralization among the ranks of the soldiers if the government fails to ensure the former general’s security and safety.
Trillanes, a former Navy officer, confirmed that the threat on Palparan’s life is true and should not be taken lightly.
“We were informed of the existing threats to the life of Gen. Palparan. To make sure that he is secure, it would be best that he is transferred to a detention facility of the AFP,” the senator said.
According to him, if the AFP, as an institution, will not guarantee the protection of Palparan, it may cause demoralization among the ranks.
A Malolos Regional Trial Court on Wednesday ordered the transfer of the former military officer to the Bulacan Provincial Jail.
Trillanes however made it clear that his call to transfer Palparan to a military facility is not meant to absolve the former military officer of the charges he is facing.
“We are only aiming to ensure that he is protected from any acts of retribution while he is in detention,” the senator explained.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, chief of the military’s Public Affairs Office, however, said their hands are tied on the custody issue because Palparan is already retired from the service.
“We don’t have jurisdiction on him anymore, he has retired,” Zagala said. “We can only take into our custody active members of the AFP.”
But the AFP, Zagala added, has asked the court to take into custody Palparan’s co-accuse, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado Jr. and Sgt. Edgardo Osorio, as they are still active members of the military.
Earlier, the 800-member Association of Generals and Flag Officers has denounced the trial by publicity being heaped by militant groups against Palparan.
AGFO president retired Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan said that the case of Palparan should not be linked to politics.
“Professional soldiers like Maj. Gen. Palparan faced hardships and risk, and had put his life on the line like countless Filipino soldiers in the service of the country, starting as a junior officer in the 1970s. His courage and leadership had saved lives and protected communities. His sacrifices should be taken into account,” he said.
Palparan, along with three others, were charged for the 2006 kidnapping of University of the Philippines (UP) students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan.