Palparan's seat in Congress hit

CEBU, Philippines – The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines-Visayas has questioned the presence of Major General Jovito Palparan in Congress, saying his new post is a “mockery of the democratic process.”

In a press conference yesterday, TFDP-Visayas Team Leader Fara Diva Gamalo said it is very contradictory for one who to be referred to as “honorable” yet remains linked to crimes such as extra-judicial killings, torture and massacre.

Palparan was linked to the crimes during his stint as chief of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division in Eastern Visayas. Palparan then openly pledged to end anti-government rallies in Samar in six months.

Gamalo said Palparan should be accountable for the issues he continues to face.

Gamalo said they already asked the House Ethics Committee to investigate these allegations against Palparan to give justice to the families of the victims of the crimes Palparan has allegedly masterminded.

The group is now campaigning for support from the public but Gamalo clarified they will not bring their sentiments to the streets. Instead, they will make use of the Internet to raise public awareness.

Palparan is one of the 29 party-list leaders that the Supreme Court approved to assume office in the lower house in order to fill the vacant party-list seats. — AJ A. de la Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)