The mothers of missing University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño asked the Supreme Court (SC) to order jail authorities to disclose the whereabouts of retired Major General Jovito Palpalaran they suspect is out of jail.
Erlinda Cadapan and Concepcion Empeño filed a manifestation before the High Court after on Monday after hearing reports the retired general had been transferred to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City.
Palparan was convicted of the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of Sherlyn and Karen, a milestone in the struggle for justice by victims of enforced disappearances and human rights violations.
The general, given the monicker “The Butcher” by human rights organizations for various human rights violations, has reportedly enjoyed privileges and special treatment while in detention.
For years, he was detained at Fort Bonifacio rather than in a regular detention facility, purportedly due to alleged threats to his safety. The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) revealed that reports indicate that after his transfer to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Palparan was not committed to a regular prison cell alongside other inmates.
“Only a year after he was convicted, Palparan was likewise allowed an on-camera interview while serving his sentence and facing another criminal trial, despite strict rules governing media access to persons deprived of liberty and the absence of any known court authorization,” NUPL recalled.
The lawyers group said that reports of Palparans transfer to the PMA are deeply alarming as he he should remain confined at the Maximum Security Camp of the NBP as a prisoner serving a sentence of reclusion perpetua.
“Allowing a convicted perpetrator of grave human rights violations to receive extraordinary accommodations sends the wrong message—that accountability may be evaded by those with power or connections. It diminishes the hard-won victories of victims and their families, who have endured years of pain and suffering in their pursuit of justice,” NUPL said.
NUPL added it stands with the families of Cadapan, Empeño, and with all victims of enforced disappearance in demanding full disclosure of Palparan’s whereabouts. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)