Mothers of the disappeared call for people’s manhunt vs Palparan

Mothers of the disappeared call for people’s manhunt vs Palparan

 
“We call on the Filipino people to help us prosecute Palparan for the crimes he did to our children and to other victims of enforced disappearances.” – Mrs. Concepcion Empeño, mother of missing UP student Karen.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – The mothers of the two missing University of the Philippines (UP) students called on the public to participate in the people’s manhunt against retired Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr.

Palparan, then commander of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, was implicated in the abduction of Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan on June 26, 2006 in Hagonoy, Bulacan. On Monday, the Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 14 issued a warrant of arrest against Palparan and three other military men. This came days after the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a resolution finding probable cause in charges of kidnapping filed by the mothers of the victims.

Palparan and one of his men, Master Sergeant Rizal Hilario, remain at large. Two of the accused, Col. Felipe Anotado and Staff Sergeant Edgar Osorio have surrendered to the authorities.

“We call on the Filipino people to help us prosecute Palparan for the crimes he did to our children and to other victims of enforced disappearances,” Mrs. Concepcion Empeño, mother of Karen, said in a press conference this morning.
Mrs. Erlinda Cadapan, mother of Sherlyn, issued the same appeal. “To all our compatriots, to all citizens, we now know who the human rights violators are. We ask your help, if civilian arrest is not possible, please report to the authorities the whereabouts of Palparan,” Mrs. Cadapan said.
Four days after the DOJ resolution, Palparan tried leaving the country for Singapore but was prevented by immigration officials.

Also speaking at the press conference, Mrs. Edita Burgos, mother of another missing activist Jonas Burgos and chairwoman of Desaparecidos, hailed the person who called the attention of immigration officials to prevent Palparan from leaving.

Mrs. Concepcion Empeño (left) and Mrs. Erlinda Cadapan, mothers of the missing UP students, call on the public to help them bring Gen. Jovito Palparan to justice.(Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea / bulatlat.com)

“This is a good example of how we could win, if only we help one another. Let us get involved. Let us help. We have to do what is right…,” Mrs. Burgos, also convener of End Impunity Alliance, said. “If we do nothing, we side with evil. We will sin by omission. We cannot do this alone. We need more help and prayers.”

Mrs. Burgos said if only those who witnessed the abduction of his son on April 28, 2007 interfered, Jonas would not have been disappeared. “Now is your chance to help. If you see this face, or if you have any information about this person, please call 4342837 or text me at 09177476131 and tell us where we can find Palparan,” Mrs. Burgos said.....MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/12/21/mothers-of-the-disappeared-call-for-people%E2%80%99s-manhunt-vs-palparan/