Bayan: AFP, Arroyo also liable

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental progressive groups lauded the decision by the Bulacan Regional Trial Court sentencing retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan to a life sentence in connection to the kidnapping and disappearance of two University of the Philippines (UP) students.

Gi Estrada of the Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agricultura credited pressure by militant and progressive groups during court hearings in the decision. Meanwhile, Bayan-Negros Secretary-General Michael dela Concepcion said the group is happy with the decision, but acknowledged “the lives of the victims can never be returned.”

He added, in addition to Palparan, his associates within the Armed Forces of the Philippines and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was president at the time of the incident, should also be held liable.

In addition, National Federation of Sugarcane Workers in Negros Occidental Secretary-General Christian Tuayon said the decision shows some government personnel are “clearly involved” in the kidnapping, torture, and killing of activists.

Last Monday, Palparan was found guilty in the kidnapping and illegal detention of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño. Nicknamed ‘Berdugo’ by progressive and militant groups, he was reportedly involved in numerous human rights violations against activists during the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

The retired general is scheduled to be transferred to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

His legal team plans to file a motion for reconsideration./DGB, WDJ