MANILA, Philippines — The conviction of retired Army general Jovito Palparan Jr.—whom activists have accused of abuse and extrajudicial killings—is a bright spot in the country’s judicial process, rights organizations said.
Palparan was found guilty Monday of kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The former commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division in Central Luzon had been tagged in the abduction and disappearance of UP students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006.
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Dubbed "The Butcher," Palparan has been blamed for 206 enforced disappearances.
Human Rights Watch hailed the sentence of reclusion perpetua or imprisonment for 20 to 30 years to Palparan. His co-accused, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado Jr. and Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio, were also found guilty and were meted the same penalties.
“The verdict is an important step for justice in the Philippines, where serious abuses by the military and police are rarely punished. Palparan is possibly the highest-ranking military officer convicted in a human rights case,” Carlos Conde, HRW Asia Division researcher, said Tuesday.
Conde added that the conviction of Palparan brings hope to the families of the victims of human rights violations in the country.
CHR: Palparan conviction a reminder to rights violators
Both the HRW and the Commission on Human Rights said the conviction of Palparan serves as a reminder that justice and law with catch up with the state security forces.
“The court’s decision proves that the day of reckoning will come to those who trample upon human rights. The road to justice for human rights victims may be long and difficult but through the willpower of families, steadfastness of human rights warriors, and the vigilance of the people, it can be achieved,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia said.