Ex generals defend Palparan vs 'trial by publicity'

MANILA, Philippines - Retired generals on Friday decried what they described as “trial by publicity” against Jovito Palparan Jr., who was accused of being the brains behind the disappearance of two student activists in 2006.

The Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO), through its president Edilberto Adan, said Palparan has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.

“Let him have his day in court and defend himself against his accusers. He is entitled to due process,” Adan said in a press statement forwarded by the Armed Forces public affairs office.

“If he had abused his power and authority or committed any crime against anyone as the militants claim, then allow him to face his accusers, and they should present evidence for evaluation by competent authorities so that justice maybe served,” he added.

AGFO, which claims to have 800 members, also frowned upon the labeling of Palparan as “berdugo” or butcher.

“We sympathize with the families of the victims of this long-running insurgency whether they are civilians or soldiers.  But branding Maj. Gen. Palparan as a ‘berdugo’ and playing it up in the media does not help the quest for justice,” Adan said.

While activists regard Palparan as the face of human rights violations, AGFO views him as a courageous leader who has saved lives.

“Professional soldiers like Maj. Gen. Palparan faced hardships and risks, 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,” Adan said.

"His courage and leadership had saved lives and protected communities. His sacrifices should be taken into account,” he added.

Palparan has been tagged as the mastermind behind the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno, who went missing in Bulacan in 2006. The government has offered P2 million for information that would lead to his arrest.

The former general was nabbed in Sta. Mesa, Manila after evading authorities for three years.

Palparan has earned the admiration of some military officers for his strong stance against insurgency.

Militant groups, however, claimed that he was behind several human rights violations against activists who were critical of the government.