Press Release
April 20, 2012
Karapatan to PNoy and AFP: Bring out and jail Palparan!
“With the recent Order of the Malolos Regional Trial Court denying Gen. Jovito Palparan’s Omnibus Motion for preliminary investigation, to quash or recall the warrant of arrest, hold departure order, and to suspend proceedings, it is more incumbent now on President Noynoy Aquino and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to bring out Palparan from hiding and immediately arrest and prosecute him and M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario,”Cristina Palabay, Karapatan spokesperson and End Impunity convenor, said.
Today, Karapatan received a copy of Malolos RTC’s (Regional Trial Court) Omnibus Order dated April 3, 2012. With this Order, the Malolos RTC has set the arraignment of accused Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, Jr. and S/Sgt. Edgardo L. Osorio on April 23, 2012. Palparan could not be arraigned until he surfaces from hiding and submits himself to court proceedings. It has been four months since Palparan went to hiding to prevent arrest and detention.
“The burden of going after human rights violators and criminals such as Palparan lies on Aquino and the AFP, lest they be accused of coddling rogue fugitives,” Palabay said. “While it is so easy for the government to promote torturers of the 43 health workers such as Col. Cristobal Zaragosa, Lt. Gen. Jorge Segovia, and Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, we wonder what is taking the government so long in arresting and prosecuting these rabid rights violators?” she added.
Palabay concluded, “With the prevalent state of impunity in the country, where the moneyed and powerful are insulated from accountability, it comes as no surprise if the protectors and coddlers of Palparan come from the AFP itself.”
For reference:
Cristina “Tinay” Palabay, 09175003879
Angge Santos, 09189790580
[box type=”info”] IMPORTANT NOTICE: INBOX is an archive of press releases, statements, announcements, letters to the editors, and manifestos sent to Davao Today for publication. Please email your materials to davaotoday@gmail.com. Davao Today is not responsible for the content of these materials. The opinion expessed in these items does not reflect those of Davao Today and its staff. Please refer to our terms of use/disclaimer.[/box]
