Witness tags Palparan in UP students’ kidnap

CITY OF MALOLOS, Philippines-  – A prosecution witness has identified retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan as responsible for the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.

In yesterday’s hearing at the Malolos regional trial court, Raymond Manalo said he was also a detainee of the military, but he was able to escape. He said he saw how Palparan’s men allegedly tortured the two students.

Prosecution lawyer Julian Soliva said Manalo was also their witness against Palparan’s co-accused, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and M/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio, in the kidnapping with serious illegal detention case.

Defense lawyer Narzal Mallares said Manalo was able to identify Palparan as the general is popular. She said she would cross-examine the witness on the next hearing.

The court has set Palparan’s hearing every Monday of the week.

Palparan, Anotado and Osorio arrived at the court at around 8 a.m. escorted by a military convoy. The retired general was wearing a bulletproof vest and a Kevlar helmet.

Police officers and soldiers secured the provincial capitol compound where the court is located.