Security tight at Bulacan court for Palparan trial

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities on Monday tightened security at the Malolos Regional Trial Court in Bulacan province for the pretrial of the serious illegal detention and kidnapping cases against retired major general Jovito Palparan.

Policemen and soldiers were deployed around the local court's compound to secure Palparan, who will be escorted from the Army custodial center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Anti-riot policemen were also detailed outside the courtroom to block the protesters.

Palparan is being accused of having involvement in the disappearances and killings of several political activists in the provinces where he was detailed during his days in the Philippine Army.

Activist groups gave Palparan the name "Berdugo" or "The Butcher."

Among the disappearances being pinned to Palparan are those of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.

The families of the two missing students have asked the court to transfer Palparan to a regular jail since he is no longer with the military.

They also argued that the cases against Palparan are not covered by the Articles of War to warrant him to be detained in a military facility.

Aside from Palparan, other military officials of the 7th Infantry Division in Fort Magsaysay are also accused of having been involvement in the disappearance of the two students in 2006.