Source: GMA News
A group of retired military officers on Friday called on the media and the militant groups to stop what they called a “trial by publicity” against retired General Jovito Palparan, Jr.
In a press statement, the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) said the way Palparan was being portrayed by the militant groups as well as by the media was very discriminatory and runs contrary to the justice system’s dictum of “presumption of innocence until proven guilty.”
The AGFO is a group of retired officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and is composed of about 800 members,
“We sympathize with the families of the victims of this long running insurgency whether they are civilians or soldiers. But branding Maj. Gen. Palparan as a ‘berdugo’ and playing it up in the media does not help the quest for justice,” AGFO president retired General Edilberto Adan said.
“Let him have his day in court and defend himself against his accusers. He is entitled to due process. Our justice system presumes that he is innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law,” said Adan, a former spokesperson of the AFP.
Despite the allegations, Adan said Palparan, during his stint in the military, had served the country well.
“Professional soldiers like Major General Palparan faced hardships and risks, and had put his life on the line like countless Filipino soldiers in the service of the country, starting as a junior officer in the 1970s. His courage and leadership had saved lives and protected communities. His sacrifices should be taken into account,” Adan said.
“If he had abused his power and authority or committed any crime against anyone as the militants claim, then allow him to face his accusers, and they should present evidence for evaluation by competent authorities so that justice maybe served. Lest we forget, this is how it works in a democracy,” Adan said.
Palparan, who was arrested by the authorities on Tuesday morning in Sta. Mesa, Manila, is facing serious illegal detention charges before the Malolos Regional Trial Court (RTC) for the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in 2006.
Palparan is also being blamed for the torture and extrajudicial killings of suspected communist members and sympathizers during the term of former President and current Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
He is currently detained at the National Bureau of Investigation office in Manila.
Palparan’s arraignment is scheduled on Monday, August 18, at the Malolos RTC Branch 14 under the sala of Judge Teodora Gonzales. —Elizabeth Marcelo/NB, GMA News
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