Palparan still no-show, yet issuing statement through ‘lawyer’

Palparan still no-show, yet issuing statement through ‘lawyer’

Fugitive retired Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. continues to evade public hearing on one of his crimes, even as he seeks sympathy by speaking via his topnotch lawyer.

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — For the third time, retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. did not attend the hearing at the Bulacan regional trial court.

Palparan is charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention in relation to the disappearance of two students of the University of the Philippines Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan. The students, along with farmer Manuel Merino, were abducted in Hagonoy, Bulacan, on June 26, 2006.

After today’s hearing, Palparan’s lawyer, Jesus I. Santos, distributed to the media copies of Palparan’s statement. Santos’ representation of Palparan is under question by the prosecutors and the DOJ because when he turned up to lawyer for the fugitive Palparan, his authorization was signed not by Palparan himself but only by his wife. Santos also represented former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

Palparan and another accused, M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario, remain at large while two other accused, Col. Felipe Anotado and Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio, have been put under military custody.

“I am not a fugitive. The warrant that was issued for my arrest is illegal since it is a by-product of an improper preliminary investigation. This is a gross violation of the due process clause of the Constitution,” read Palparan’s statement which did not bear his signature.

The parents of the disappeared, Erlinda Cadapan, Concepcion Empeño and Oscar Empeño, all got furious after reading Palparan’s statement.


“Not a fugitive? Why doesn’t he come out, then?” Mrs. Cadapan asked.

(Top) Mrs. Erlinda Cadapan and (below) Mrs. Concepcion Empeño and Mr. Oscar Empeño continue searching for their missing daughters. (Photos by Ronalyn V. Olea/ bulatlat.com)

“What preliminary investigation? He denied this right to those he ordered arrested whom he suspected of being members of the NPA [New People's Army]?” said Mr. Empeno..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/02/06/palparan-still-no-show-yet-issues-statement-through-%E2%80%98lawyer%E2%80%99/