Jovito Palparan Jr. remains in AFP custody

MANILA, Philippines — Retired Army general Jovito Palparan Jr. remains in the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig despite a court order for his transfer to the national penitentiary following his conviction in the kidnapping of two University of Philippines students in 2006, an official said yesterday.

 Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Palparan, dubbed by human rights groups as “The Butcher,” has yet to be transferred to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa.

“He is still with the Army Custodial Center despite a commitment order issued by the Malolos Regional Trial Court in Bulacan,” Guevarra told reporters.

Guevarra said they would ask the AFP why Palparan’s transfer to the NBP has been delayed.

Palparan and his two co-accused – Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio – were sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in Hagonoy, Bulacan in June 2006. Cadapan and Empeño remain missing.