NBI warns coddlers of Palparan

MANILA, Philippines - “Rich supporters” could be coddling retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. in Central Luzon, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday.

The NBI warned that the coddlers would be charged with obstruction of justice.

NBI regional director Ricardo Diaz told The STAR they have received information that Palparan had befriended rich people when he was assigned in Central Luzon before his retirement and these people could now be helping him.

“We cannot provide more information so as not to preempt our operations,” he said.

The other day, the NBI checked information that Palparan was seen in a resort in Iba, Zambales.

However, NBI agents found nobody in The Highlands resort, which will be opening on Jan. 19.

Diaz downplayed allegations that supporters in the military in Central Luzon, where Palparan had been commander of the 7th infantry division based in Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija, could be hiding the fugitive general.

“We have checked areas at Fort Magsaysay and there were no indications of him being there,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the counsel of Palparan has filed another motion on the judge’s inaction in the previous motion filed about two weeks ago.

Judge Teodora Gonzales of Malolos Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 set the next hearing on Feb. 6.

However, the case will be heard tomorrow following the new motion for reconsideration.

The STAR tried to contact lawyer Narzal Mallari yesterday, but text messages and calls to his cellular phone were not answered.

Information gathered by The STAR showed that the new motion was filed allegedly due to Gonzales’ inaction on Palparan’s earlier motion.

Filed over a week ago, the motion asked for a new preliminary investigation on the charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention against Palparan and three others.

It also asked the court to recall or quash the warrant of arrest and hold departure order issued against Palparan, and to suspend the proceedings as the court has not acquired jurisdiction on the person of Palparan.– With Dino Balabo