Palparan trial resumes

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines  – Security will be tightened around the Bulacan regional trial court today for the resumption of the trial of retired Army Maj. Jovito Palparan.

Police officers will protect Palparan, who is facing charges of kidnapping with serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan, said Senior Superintendent Ferdinand Divina, Bulacan police director.

Divina said members of the Bulacan anti-riot police and Special Weapons and Tactics unit would be deployed around the court.

The hearing for Palparan’s case was set every Monday.

On Feb. 16, fire trucks were used to prevent members of militant and pro-Palparan groups from getting near the court.

Palparan arrived at the sala of Judge Teodora Gonzales wearing a Kevlar helmet and bulletproof vest, and surrounded by armed security personnel.

Prosecution witness Raymond Manalo tagged Palparan in the kidnapping of the students.

Also present at the hearing were Palparan’s co-accused, former Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and M/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio.