From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 17): NEW HEADS | PH Army installs chiefs in three key command enablers
FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Metro Manila (DWDD) – The Philippine Army installed new heads to three of its key command enablers which are the Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG), the Army Signal Regiment (ASR), and the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Command and Control, Communications and Cyber Systems (OG6, PA), here at the Philippine Army Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
Colonel Virgilio B. Bartolome was installed as the new Commander of the HHSG. Col. Bartolome replaced Brigadier General Roy T. Devesa who is now posted as the new Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Philippine Army in Tarlac. Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Baustista, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, led the Change of Command Ceremony.
Prior to his post, Col. Bartolome was the Deputy Regiment Commander of the Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army. He is a member of the PMA “Hinirang” Class of 1987. His first field assignment was as a platoon leader at the 26th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division of the Army. He rose to the ranks and was bested with higher leadership roles such as in Plans and Programs and Logistics.
Lt. Gen. Bautista encouraged the HHSG personnel to sustain the commendable achievements, likewise accord unwavering support for the new Commander’s programs and innovations.
Moreover, the Philippine Army installed a new Commander for the ASR and a new Chief for the Office for OG6, PA in separate ceremonies held on Friday, September 7, 2018, led by Major General Danilo Chad D. Isleta, Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army.
Colonel Vener Odilon D. Mariano was installed as the Commander of ASR. While his previous post as the Chief of Staff for OG6, PA was filled by Colonel Milton Y. Beset in acting capacity.
Col. Mariano, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988. He spent the early years of his career defeating insurgency at the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division. He was later on given higher leadership roles in the field of intelligence and command, control, and communication.
Col. Beset is a member of the Officer Candidate Course “Bagong-Lahi” Class of 1990. Before he entered the military service he was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Col. Beset is knowledgeable in Control, Communication and Cyber Systems, emanating from his experience as Signal Officer at the First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Operations Command, Philippine Army.
“Together, let us continue to be the “beacon hope” for our people, in unison, we can attain becoming a world-class Army that is a source of national pride,” Lt. Gen. Bautista said. OACPA / MCAG
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 17): ENCOUNTER | Notorious Abu sub-leader critically-wounded in Sulu
CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – While conducting focused military operation, troops of the Task Group Panther led by Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Yunque together with a group of scout rangers led by Captain Michael Asistores encountered more or less one hundred (100) fully armed Abu Sayyafs under senior leader Radullan Sahiron and sub leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Idang Susukan in Barangay Bakong, Patikul, Sulu.
Firefight ensued at around 1:30pm yesterday afterwhich enemies withdrew due to the pressure imposed by the operating troops.
Based on the report of Joint Task Force Sulu headed by Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, seven (7) ASG members were killed, based on body count, and six others were wounded including ASGSL Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan who was seriously hit in his stomach and lower extremities.
Seventeen (17) soldiers were also slightly wounded during the encounter due to shrapnel while more casualties on the enemy side are yet to be determined based on the blood stains spotted in the encounter site.
Battle casualties were immediately rushed to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper medical treatment. Cadavers of the slain ASG members were also brought to the said hospital for forensic examination and proper disposition.
Also recovered on the encounter site were: One (1) M16 rifle, 4 5.56 mm magazines, 1 bandolier, 1 touchscreen cellular phone, and assorted war materiel and ammunitions.
“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for this recent accomplishment,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“All sorts of assistance will be provided to the battle casualties and our prayers are with them for their speedy recovery,” he added. As of this report, more troops have been deployed to go after the fleeing bandits. TFSulu / MCAG
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 17): VOLUNTARY SURRENDER | Group of NPA leaders yield to 46IB
NAVAL STATION FELIX APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – Six NPA Terrorists, four of which are high ranking, voluntarily surrendered to the 46th Infantry “Peacemaker” Battalion, 8ID, PA under LTC Benjamin A Dao-on INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander at Mabini, Compostela Valley on September 14, 2018.
The high ranking NPA surrenderees were identified as alias JOFFREY, identified as Political Instructor of the Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) Platoon; alias SANDER, identified as Vice Commander, SDG Pltn, alias ANTHONY, Squad Leader, of Squad 2, SDG Platoon; alias ARNEL, Team Leader, ABE Squad 1, SDG Platoon.
The other surrenderee was identified as alias RENZ, member, Squad 2, SDG and alias TENIE also a member of Squad 2, SDG all of Guerilla Front 33.
The surrenderees initially yielded four Caliber 45 pistol. However, during the course of the custodial debriefing, the former rebels revealed the whereabouts of their other firearms, which resulted to the recovery of four AK47 rifle.
Meanwhile, Col Gilbert Saret, Commander of 1001st Infantry Brigade welcomes the surrender and assured the former rebels of assistance as they return to the mainstream society.
“We would like to welcome our brothers who were victims of NPA exploitation. We want to assure them that we will assist them as they return to the fold of the law, particularly, in their enrollment with the Enhance Comprehensive Localized Integration Program or the E-CLIP. “ said Col Saret
“Further, we are calling the CNT members to come down and be part of the change that the government is pursuing, and help make our community peaceful and progressive.” Col Saret added. EMC / 46IB / MCAG
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 17): ENCOUNTER | 63IB engages CPP-NPA Terrorists in Samar
CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City –Troops from the 63rd Infantry “Innovator” Battalion, 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army encountered CNT members at Barangay Mahayag, Matuguinao, Samar on September 14, 2018.
Sgt Daniel B. Silagan was reported to be killed in action during the said encounter, while it is undetermined on the terrorist group.
The troops led by two officers were on clearing operations when they encountered the terrorists as previously reported seen at said barangay when a 20-minute firefight ensued. The enemy immediately withdraw sensing the superiority of our forces.
Immediate appropriate actions will be undertaken to attend to survivors of Sgt Silagan including facilitation of due assistance and benefits. Meanwhile, pursuit operations is being conducted by our forces under the direction of the 803rd Infantry Brigade.
Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio AFP, Commander, 8ID in his message said, “I would like to express my condolences to the bereaved family of our gallant soldier who offered the supreme sacrifice while performing his duty. This setback will not deter our resolve to continue our mandated task to safeguard the people of Eastern Visayas.” 63IB / 8ID / MCAG
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 17): VOLUNTARY SURRENDER | NPA Sparrow Hitman yields to 8IB
IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon (DWDD) – A Certain Bryan Tomaquen Fabre @ALEX, 32 years old, a residents of Barangay Mabuhay, Valencia City, Bukidnon and a member of Squad 1, SDG Platoon “Thunder”, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee, surrendered to the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion bringing along with him one (1) homemade 9mm sub-machinegun on 14 September 2018 at its headquarters in Impasugong, Bukidnon.
The latter voluntarily surrendered for the reason that he got tired of running and hiding from the Government Forces. He also added that he is fed-up with all the false promises of the organization that left him with nothing but a life filled with fear and starvation.
“The CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) is weakening each passing day with all our efforts to maintain peace and order in the Province of Bukidnon. The members of the said armed group is slowly realizing this”. Said LTC Illana.
“It is never too late to go back and start again. The government will be there to support you and help you get back on your feet only if you would give peace a chance.” LTC ILLANA added. 8IBDependable / MCAG
From Rappler (Sep 17): Military vows continued legal support for Palparan
Army chief Lieutenant General Rolando Bautista says they will 'extend the necessary support' to the retired general and his 2 co-accused
VERDICT DAY. Outside the court that declared Jovito Palparan and two others guilty of kidnapping on September 17, 2018. Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to continue providing legal assistance to retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan, who was found guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in the 2006 disappearance of University of the Philippines (UP) students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan.
Asked for the military’s response to the guilty verdict, Army chief Lieutenant General Rolando Bautista told Rappler in a text message: “The Philippine Army will abide by the rule of law and we will extend the necessary support to the accused military personnel on the legal procedures that will prove his or their innocence.”
The Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 15 on Monday, September 17, sentenced Palparan to life imprisonment. Shouting back at the judge, Palparan maintained his innocence.
Charged with human rights violations that they committed when in active service, Palparan and his co-accused were provided assistance by the military in terms of documentation, logistics, and other steps they needed in their defense.
Palparan’s co-accused Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Anotado and S/Sgt Edgardo Osorio were also found guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
In a statement, military spokesperson Colonel Edgard Arevalo said the armed forces submit "to the majesty of the courts and respect for the rule of law."
Arevalo however stressed that they will also allow Palparan and the two other soldiers to seek all legal options still available to them.
Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Louie Villanueva likewise said the military would abide by the court’s decision regardless of Palaparan’s former rank in the military.
Palparan is widely known for his key assignments in Mindoro, Samar and central Luzon, where he served as commanding general of the military's 7th infantry division between 2005 and 2006 – the height of the Arroyo administration's massive counter-insurgency campaign that targeted the communist New People's Army.
Palparan will be committed to the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) after spending 4 years in the custodial center of Fort Bonifacio in Taguig where he was jailed as he was put on trial in Malolos.
Prior to his arrest in 2014, Palparan spent 3 years in hiding and was arrested at an apartment above a bakery in Sta Mesa, Manila.
From Rappler (Sep 17): People of the Philippines vs Jovito Palparan
In this video, reporter Patricia Evangelista and filmmaker Kiri Dalena lay out the case against retired major general Jovito Palparan, accused of kidnapping and serious illegal detention
PALPARAN. Jovito Palparan being interviewed after a hearing in 2011. Photo by Geloy Concepcion
(Editor's Note: First published in 2012, we are republishing this story more than 6 years later after retired major general Jovito Palparan was found guilty Monday, September 17, of kidnapping and serious illegal detention by Judge Alexander Tamayo of Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 15. The video provides a case brief.)
The Cadapan-Empeño Case
THE DISAPPEARED MANILA, Philippines РIn a resolution released 15 December 2011, prosecutors from the Panel of National Prosecution Service found probable cause to charge retired Major General Jovito Palparan Jr., retired Lieutenant Colonel Felipe G. Anotado, retired Master Sergeant Rizal Hilario, and Staff Sergeant Edgardo Osorio with two counts of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention in connection with the abduction of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empe̱o.
Cadapan, 27, and Empeño, 20, were abducted on June 26, 2006 from a farming community in Hagonoy, Bulacan.
Empeño was a member of the left-wing League of Filipino Students. Cadapan was a member of Anakbayan. Both were students of the University of the Philippines Diliman.
STILL SEARCHING. The mothers of Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño wait outside the Department of Justice. Photo by Geric Cruz
A 57-year-old farmer named Manuel Merino responded to their screams. He was abducted as well.
On July 7, after five years of campaigning by the mothers of Cadapan and Empeño, several military personal were called to appear before the Department of Justice to face accusations of rape, serious physical injuries, arbitrary detention, maltreatment of prisoners, grave threats, grave coercion, and torture, among other charges, against the University of the Philippines students.
The charges against the other respondents were dismissed, as well as charges of rape and enforced disappearance. The information to charge the indicted respondents was filed on 16 December 2011. Warrants for the four were issued on December 11, 2011.
THE WITNESSES
Raymond Manalo
On February 14, 2006, a 22-year-old farmer named Raymond Manalo and his 38-year-old brother Reynaldo were abducted at gunpoint from their farm in Bulacan. Their brother Bestre had left for the mountains, had been accused of associating wiht the NPA. According to Manalo, he and his brother were interrogated, tortured, and taken to various AFP camps across the country, beginning with Fort Magsaysay.
Manalo testified at the habeas corpus hearing of Cadapan and Empeño. He claimed that he had been met by then Major-General Jovito Palparan at San Miguel, Bulacan, who told him that he would be brought home to see his family on the condition that he convince his mother to drop the habeas corpus case filed on his and his brother's behalf. Manolo, nearly crippled from being caged for months, was then shown to his mother, and taken away.
WITNESS. Raymond Manalo prepares for his testimony on the way to court. Photo by Carlo Gabuco
Manalo testified that he met Cadapan, Empeño and Merino at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan. He claimed Cadapan told him that she had been raped by soldiers, and that she and Empeño had been beaten by Palparan himself.
Manalo also claimed to have personally witnessed the torture of the two girls, which included beating while they were naked, cigarettes held against their skin, and various implements shoved into their vaginas by a number of soldiers.
TESTIMONY. Wilfredo Ramos, 14 years old at the kidnapping, continues to speak for the disappeared. Photo by Geric Cruz
Before he escaped with his brother, Manalo claimed to have seen soldiers execute Merino.
The Supreme Court, in granting him the writ of amparo, called his testimony harrowing, as well as “clear and convincing.”
Wilfredo Ramos
Ramos, nicknamed Jollibee, was fourteen when he testified at the Court of Appeals that he had seen several armed men drag the screaming girls to a parked jeep along with Merino.
“When the armed men caught sight of him, they rammed a rifle at his throat that caused him to fall to his knees. The armed men brought him along and put him in the jeep.”
He said the three were driven away towards the direction of Iba, Hagonoy, Bulacan in a jeep with plate number RTF 597. A fact-finding team from human rights group Karapatan later claimed the jeep was spotted inside the military compound.
The young women had been living with the family at the time of the incident. Ramos initially signed a joint statement with his father. Ramos said he was bound during the incident, while his father was beaten and water-tortured.
The elder Ramos refused to stand by their joint testimony at the Court of Appeals, but the younger Ramos has repeatedly verified the statements in spite of incidents of alleged harassment by armed men.
Oscar Leuterio
Leuterio, a laborer for the Metal Ore Mining Company of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, was abducted along with four others on April 17, 2006. He claimed members of the AFP’s 56th Infantry Battalion and five known members of the Citizens’ Armed Forces Group stormed out of a nearby forest.
“They began to beat us, kick us, and hit us with the butts of M16s and M14s, while asking who and where the NPAs were. They had us on the ground from 10:25 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.”
Leuterio said they were taken to Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan. He claimed he was walloped to unconsciousness by planks of wood, his toes and fingers beaten until they burst. He said they were loaded into a van, taken to Fort Magsaysay, and put inside cells 3 feet by 5 feet with walls five feet high. This is where he claimed to have met Raymond Manalo. He narrated weeks of beating, and said he witnessed the suicide of one detainee.
On August 29, 2006, Oscar was moved to the Office of the Commanding General. Three weeks before they let him go, he was blindfolded and taken to speak to the man the soldiers called Lolo, grandfather, whom he discovered was Major General Jovito Palparan Jr.
“He told me that they would let me live for as long as I helped them.”
UNITED FRONT. Oscar Leuterio, Linda Cadapan and Raymond Manalo at the file a complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman. Photo by Geloy Concepcion Leuterio was released on September 14, 2006. In early November of 2006, he testified in court for Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño. Asked about the military’s denials that the girls were in their possession, Oscar, then 48, called the military statements all lies.
THE RESPONDENTS Ret. Major General Jovito Palparan
Palparan, an accounting graduate turned commanding general of the Philippine Army’s 7th and 8th Infantry Divisions, is a holder of Distinguished Service Stars and a Gold Cross Medal. He is the former party list representative of security group Bantay, and has been tagged butcher and hangman by a number of human rights and left-wing organizations. He has publicly been acknowledged as a favorite of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and was acclaimed for his work against the New People’s Army in her 2006 State of the Nation Address.
He has called all accusations against him propaganda, although he has openly described communism and its supporters evil, and once said his senatorial campaign—one he lost—was spurred by the intent to balance out the dangerous left-wing politicians who now populate the legislature.
The DOJ, in its decision to file probable cause against Palparan, said it recognized “Manalo's proven positive testimony” that he was visited and threatened by Palparan. The panel included their belief in “his subsequent sharing of detention places with the two victims” and that these detention places are “facilities and safehouses of men belonging to units of the 7th Infrantry Division, the commanding General of which is none other than respondent Palparan.”
The Panel found probable cause to conclude "that Palparan had a direct hand in the detention of Sherlyn and Karen and that through his men, he had knowledge and control of the places where the women were held."
Ret. Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado
Anotado, battalion commander of the 24th Infantry Battalion at the time of Manalo’s stay in its Limay, Bataan headquarters, was accused by Manalo of having visited them at the camp. Manalo said Anotado conversed with the two women for about an hour. The DOJ in its decision to file probable cause, said that although his presence during the abduction of the women is not clearly shown, “his knowledge of their continued illegal detention and his acquiescence thereto is established by his visit to Limay, Bataan and his conversation with the victims.”
DEFENSE. Retired Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado testifies in court. Photo by Geloy Concepcion
Master Sgt. Rizal Hilario
Hilario was identified by witness Manalo as present during Palparan’s visit, and as the man who brought him to Camp Tecson, and was physically placed in the scene of Sherlyn's and Karen's detention, “thus laying the basis for charging him as a co-conspirator in the kidnapping of the two women,” according to the DOJ’s recent decision. Hilario is still at large and is assumed to be with Palparan.
ACCUSED. Osorio (far left), Palparan (fourth from left) and Hilario (far right) wait at the Department of Justice after a hearing. Photo by Carlo Gabuco
Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio
At the July 19 preliminary investigation on the charges filed against Palparan and other military officials, witness Wilfredo Ramos Jr. claimed the man who was wearing a blue shirt and dark sunglasses assisting Palparan was in fact part of the armed group that abducted Cadapan, Empeño and Merino in 2006.
MAN IN BLUE. S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio performs his role as Palparan's bodyguard, before he was charged with abduction. Photo by Carlo Gabuco The DOJ panel did not permit the man’s immediate identification, saying that the court was not in the business of investigation. They recommended instead the filing of a supplemental affidavit. Palparan’s camp initially claimed they were unaware of the soldier’s name, and took two hearings until the man was identified as S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio.
Palparan claimed he had never met Osorio before the DOJ hearing. Osorio, employed by the AFP’s Headquarters Service Group, presented documentary evidence he was in training for overseas deployment at the time of the abduction.
The DOJ Panel stated that “such is but an alibi that cannot prevail over his positive identification by witness Wilfredo.” Although it is proof of his assignment, “it is not necessarily proof that he was at a place far away from the area of Barangay San Miguel, Hagonoy, Bulacan at about 2:00 o'clock in the morning of 26 June 2006.” https://www.rappler.com/nation/3150-people-of-the-philippines-vs-jovito-palparan
From Rappler (Sep 17): PSG gets more bomb-sniffing dogs to protect Duterte
The Presidential Security Group will get 18 new dogs under the 2018 budget
DINDO'S DUTY. Presidential Security Guard (PSG) Chief Sergeant Richard Parco plays with Dindo, a k9 Belgian Malinois dog, inside the Malacanang Grounds in Manila. File photo by Lito Boras/Rappler.com
New dogs will be joining the Presidential Security Group's (PSG) roster of canines, ensuring President Rodrigo Duterte and his VIP guests have better protection.
This follows a 2016 Commission on Audit (COA) report to speed up the procurement of new dogs for the PSG due to Duterte's active lifestyle – 25 dogs are required to perform a full bomb sweep and detection during Duterte's official functions, but at that time only 20 were in active rotation.
A 2017 audit of the General Headquarters - Armed Forces of the Philippines (GHQ-AFP), found that it had 23 Military Working Dogs listed as “effective” as of July 2017, with 18 new dogs meant for procurement under the 2018 budget.
Of the 18 dogs, 11 were requested in 2017 but were funded under the 2018 capital outlay. Seven other dogs will be acquired under this year's budget to replace those retiring and going "inactive."
Issues with the number of dogs in the roster were previously resolved by borrowing dogs from the Philippine Army K9 units as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The Army sent over “King” and “Jerry," both Belgian Malinois, while the AFP provided a German Shepherd named "Kara" and the Labrador "Brandon."
A dog's duty
Depending on the breed, dogs employed for police or military duty typically live between 10 to 14 years, with their effectiveness for duty extending to between 5 to 8 years after training.
The PSG’s veterinary officer decides when a dog should be taken off the active roster as a result of age or diminished capability.
The PSG-Special Reaction Unit said COA’s proposal to streamline the procurement of new dogs each year has been taken up with the Logistics Office “to ensure a reasonable inventory of effective military working dog complement.”
Under COA's proposal, funding allocations should be automatically included in the PSG’s annual budget as an anticipatory measure for getting new canines, as opposed to asking for funds when it becomes urgent.
The PSG has previously relied on donations over the past 12 years to provide for its need to augment its K-9 units. This is seen as unreliable, as training and schooling the dogs takes time, and further time is needed to bond with their handlers.
Retiring dogs on the "inactive" roster, meanwhile, will go through an adoption process. They will, in most circumstances, be taken care of by their former handlers.
From MindaNews (Sep 17): Cotabato City gov’t files protest vs. MILF over strafing in Barangay Kalanganan
The Cotabato City government has filed a protest before the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following the harassment allegedly by a commander of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) in Sitio Linao, Barangay Kalanganan Saturday night.
Guiani said the harassment involved the firing of two rifle grenades and strafing of several homes by MILF Commander Erap of the MILF’s 105th base command shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday.
The city government of Cotabato has filed a protest with the joint ceasefire committees of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, claiming a commander of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces harassed a family in Barangay Kalanganan. MILF peace implementing chair Mohagher Iqbal said: “Let the ceasefire mechanisms handle the issue.” Photo posted by Mayor Guiani on her FB page
In a statement, Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi condemned the harassment carried out by the MILF commander against a family he has been at odds with.
The victims whose houses were strafed also demanded reparation for the damages incurred and for the cows that were reportedly taken by the armed men.
Guiani said what happened caused “unnecessary panic and anxiety” and if the perpetrators are left unpunished, there will be “doubts and qualms” on the success of the new political entity in Mindanao, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is a product of the peace talks.
Guiani has been vocal about her views that Cotabato City, the current seat of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and among the proposed core territory of the BARMM, would vote against inclusion in the new political entity during the plebiscite on January 21, 2019.
In the city government’s complaint, it urged the Joint CCCH to act on their requests for the “arrest and turn over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) of the perpetrators for appropriate legal procedures” and “prohibition of all armed elements of the BIAF-MILF to enter the territorial jurisdiction of Cotabato City. They may enter the city’s territory provided that they will not be bringing along their firearms.”
The MILF-CCCH has received the complaint and will forward it to the MILF central committee for their comments.
“Let the ceasefire mechanisms handle the issue,” MILF Peace Implementing Panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews Monday morning.
Security measures in the city have been beefed up with additional security forces in Kalanganan.
The “no ID, no entry” policy has been intensified following the noontime bombing in General Santos City Sunday that injured seven persons.
Cotabato City has been placed on level 3 alert status.
From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 17): 6 NPA rebels yield in Compostela Valley
The Philippine military said 6 communist New People’s Army rebels, including four leaders, have surrendered in Compostela Valley province in the southern region of Mindanao.
It said the insurgents – all members of the Guerrilla Front 33 – surrendered peacefully to the 46th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Benjamin Dao-on in the town of Mabini.
They also handed over four .45-caliber pistols and four AK47 assault rifles, according to Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command. He said the rebels would be given government support, among others, as part of the amnesty program being offered by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Balagtey, quoting Col. Gilbert Saret, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, said more rebels are expected to yield and avail of the amnesty program.
“We would like to welcome our brothers, who were victims of NPA exploitation. We want to assure them that we will assist them all as they return to the fold of the law, particularly, in their enrolment to the Enhance Comprehensive Localized Integration Program.”
“Furthermore, we are calling the NPA members to come down and be part of the change that the government is pursuing, and help make our community peaceful and progressive,” Saret said.
The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a communist state in the country.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): 3 freed hostages turned over to Indon authorities
FINALLY FREE. One of the three Indonesians released by the Abu Sayyaf bandits on Saturday in Sulu hugs Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang while Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief (left), looks on. Dela Vega turned them over to Sarundajang on Sunday afternoon at the Westmincom headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has formally turned over to Indonesian authorities the three Indons freed by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu.
The captives who freed on Saturday in Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu after over a year captivity were Hamdam Bin Salim, 34; Subande Satto, 27; and, Sudarlan Samansung, 41.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief, turned them over to Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, the Indonesian ambassador to the Philippines, around 1:36 p.m. Sunday at Camp Basilio Navarro that houses the Westmincom headquarters in this city.
The three, accompanied by Sarundajang and the Indonesian Army Attache, left for Manila later in the afternoon on Sunday.
Sarundajang expressed his gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the Westmincom for the efforts exerted that resulted in the safe release of the hostages.
“We give our assurance that we will always be of assistance for the common interest of our country and the Indonesian government,” Dela Vega said.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Westmincom information officer, said the three Indonesians were freed due to mounting pressures by the continuous military offensive and efforts exerted by local government officials in Sulu.
He said the freed hostages were immediately taken to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical check-up and custodial debriefing.
He said the release of the three Indonesians was also made possible through the joint efforts of former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan; Tarhata Misuari, wife of Moro National Liberation Front founding chair, Nuruladji; and, Abdul Kiram Misuari.
The three Indonesians were seized by the Abu Sayyaf bandits on January 18, 2017 while the victims were aboard a fishing vessel near Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi.
Taganak, which is part of Turtle Islands municipality in Tawi-Tawi, is located at the very edge of the international treaty limits separating the Philippines from Malaysia.
Besana disclosed that the Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding captives 11 people in the hinterlands of Sulu province.
He said the hostages included two foreigners -- one Dutch and a Vietnamese -- and nine Filipinos.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Military blames BIFF for Midsayap bomb attack
MIDSAYAP IED. Fragments of the improvised improvised explosive device that went off inside the Theresa’s Place Videoke Bar in Barangay Poblacion 4, Midsayap, North Cotabato at 7:15 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 16, 2018). (Photo courtesy of 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The military has blamed the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) behind the bombing of a videoke bar in the North Cotabato town of Midsayap, Sunday evening.
In a statement released on Monday, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, described the BIFF under Abu Torayfe as “peace spoilers.” “The Daesh-inspired Abu Toraife Group was responsible for the attack as they are known to be peace spoilers and to sow terror in the community," said Sobejana who also heads the Army-led Task Force Central.
The military and police said three men went inside Theresa’s Place videoke bar in Barangay Poblacion 4, Midsayap, North Cotabato at 7 p.m., and ordered soft drinks then left.
Minutes after the suspects left on a motorbike, an explosion ripped through a bamboo-made shanty inside the videoke bar compound.
Bomb experts said the IED, concealed in a jersey shirt left by the suspects, was made of aluminum flash powder as the main charge and placed in a plastic container with a mobile phone as a detonator, and concrete nails as fragmentation.
“Similar to other IEDs set off by the BIFF,” a bomb expert who requested that his name not be mentioned. No one was hurt in the Midsayap bomb attack.
The BIFF has been blamed for bombings, kidnappings, extortion, and other criminality in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. It pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2016.
The group, composed of radical Moro rebels, bolted out of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after the botched signing of Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain in 2008.
Military and police authorities have monitored that the BIFF under Toraife, one of the three BIFF factions based in Maguindanao, have resorted to attacking “soft targets” or civilian areas to avenge the losses it suffered during military offensives in the Liguasan marshland.
The Midsayap bombing came about eight hours after an IED was set off in General Santos City Sunday that injured eight persons. Police authorities in General Santos have also blamed the BIFF to be behind the bombing. http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048185
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Probers pursuing ‘good lead’ in GenSan blast
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Authorities said they already have a “good lead” in the ongoing investigation into the bomb explosion before noon on Sunday near a lying-in clinic here that left eight persons wounded. Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, city police director, said Monday investigators are currently establishing the motive and the identities of the suspects, who planted the improvised explosive device (IED) in front of the Vic Bonita Lying-in Clinic in Makar junction.
Supiter was unable to disclose further details, saying this might disrupt the ongoing investigation of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “Bonita.”
“We already have a good lead and there are good developments so far in the investigation,” he said in an interview over Brigada News FM.
Supiter said the SITG was activated immediately after the blast on orders of Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 regional director Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco. It is composed of various law enforcement units and investigation agencies in the area, he said.
He said it was tasked to cooperate and coordinate in the investigation to speed up the resolution of the case, especially the identification, filing of appropriate charges and arrest of the suspects.
“We’re doing our best to resolve this case the soonest possible time,” Supiter said.
Aside from the investigation, the SITG was tasked to review the security deployment in the city, said Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, the PRO-12 public information officer.
SITG Bonita is tasked to determine whether there’s a need to revise or realign the security measures implemented by the city police, the police official said.
Police investigators said the explosion on Sunday was caused by an IED that was packed with one-inch concrete nails as shrapnel.
Roy Bonita, manager of the lying-in clinic, said two unidentified men aboard a motorcycle stopped in front of the establishment and left a bag about five to six meters from their main door.
Bonita said they heard a loud explosion at the scene, moments after the two men, one them reportedly wearing a black bonnet, hurriedly left.
Eight bystanders and customers of an eatery located beside the clinic sustained minor injuries as a result of the blast.
Meantime, Supiter confirmed that Chief Insp. Patrich Elma, the chief of the Makar police station, was relieved from his post as a result of the incident.
He said they have yet to designate a replacement for Elma, whose relief was relayed to the city police by the PRO-12. http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048187
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Cotabato officials protest MILF harassment over ‘rido’
Local officials here, acting on a request by residents, have filed protest a before the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) joint ceasefire panel on Sunday following reports of harassments from MILF members.
This after MILF men harassed a coastline community here on Saturday night by firing rifle grenades towards Barangay Kalanganan 1. The harassment involved the firing of two rifle grenade projectiles and strafing of several homes allegedly by the group of MILF Commander Erap of the MILF’s 105th base command at past 8 p.m.
Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi condemned the harassment carried out by the MILF against a clan due to “rido” (family feud).
Two families, whose members are all MILF adherents, have been at odds for still unknown reasons and figured in a number of clashes in the past. The warring groups involved a family from Cotabato City, while the other is from the neighboring Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.
Sayadi said: “If the suspects could evade justice now, how could peace be achieved under the proposed new political entity in Mindanao?”
She was referring to the MILF-led Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) seen to replace the old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao set up.
Cotabato City is one of the areas proposed to join the BARMM following the conduct of a plebiscite scheduled in January next year. The mayor said the perpetrators of the harassment should be penalized.
Security measures in the city have been beefed up with additional security forces from the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion deployed in Barangay Kalanganan 1.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Army, PNP lauded for 'insurgency-free' Pangasinan
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members, through resolutions approved by the body on Monday, praised the relentless efforts of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in keeping Pangasinan insurgency-free.
Resolution nos. 1844 and 1845 have been authored and approved unanimously by all the SP members.
“The conferment of insurgency-free status to Pangasinan is not only beneficial to the province but also a welcome development,” said Board Member Jeremy Aguirico Rosario of the 4th District of Pangasinan in his speech during their regular session.
The province of Pangasinan was declared ‘insurgency-free’ on Thursday, after thorough assessment and evaluation by the Philippine Army here.
In an interview Friday, Brigadier General Lenard Agustin, chairman of the Area Clearing Evaluation Board of the Philippine Army, clarified that the declaration of the province as ‘insurgency-free’ does not mean that there is no rebel presence in the area.
“One of the bases for the declaration of the insurgency-free status is on how tight the rebel group’s grip in a certain area is. As for Pangasinan, we have assured that the rebel influence is minimal, close to nothing,” Agustin said.
However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines would not be too complacent on the status because the rebel forces could gather strength and may possibly reclaim their influence in the area, he added.
“There are still some rebel groups around the province –especially the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Caraballo, which operates in nearby provinces such as Zambales, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija,” Agustin further said.
These rebels, he noted, only pass through the province but do not stay here.
Officials urged the public to inform them of any unfamiliar faces in the community in order to prevent possible rebel groups from gathering more forces.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army is keeping its guard up with the possible sortie of the New People’s Army (NPA) amid the busy relief operations for victims of Typhoon Ompong.
Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, spokesperson of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division of the Philippine Army, said they consider the security aspects of relief operations.
“We have experienced numerous encounters with the rebel forces while we were busy transporting relief goods for affected citizens before. Ambush by the rebels could happen anytime,” said Osias.
The Army is ensuring that rebel attempts would not happen again and that they would be able to transport relief on time without any negative repercussions, he added.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Palparan, 2 others guilty of kidnapping, serious illegal detention
GUILTY. Retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan talks to newsmen inside the Regional Trial Court in the City of Malolos, Bulacan before the "guilty" verdict is handed down by the judge on kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges. (Photo by Manny Balbin )
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Bulacan has found retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan and two other Army personnel guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of two University of the Philippines (UP) students in 2006.
Karen E. Empeno and Sherlyn T. Cadapan were seized from the house of one Raquel Halili in Barangay San Miguel, Hagonoy, this province on June 26, 2006.
In a 31-page decision by Judge Alexander Tamayo of RTC Branch 15 in the City of Malolos, Palparan's co-accused, Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Anotado Jr. and Staff Sergeant Edgardo Osorio, were also found guilty of the same offense.
“All things considered, the evidence of the prosecution indubitably proved beyond reasonable doubt that the aforementioned elements of kidnapping and serious illegal detention obtained in the two cases at bar and the three accused should be panalized accordingly,” part of the decision read.
Another co-accused, M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario, who is still at large, was not included in the decision but there is a pending warrant for his arrest.
The former general and the three were all charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed by the victims' parents, Linda Cadapan and Conie Empeno.
Palparan, Anotado and Osorio were sentenced to reclusion perpetua or 20 to 40 years imprisonment and were ordered to pay PHP100,000 in civil indemnity and PHP200,000 for moral damages.
Tamayo ordered that the three be committed to the New Bilibid Prison.
After the verdict was issued, Palparan told mediamen that he would appeal his case. “It is not final. I'm going to appeal my case in the higher court,” the former general said,
After the reading of the decision, Palparan shouted and cursed at Judge Tamayo, accusing the latter of receiving bribe in some of his handled cases.
“It is a public knowledge here in the province of Bulacan, rumors, I've heard that he is receiving money,” the retired general said.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Cops arrest 6 suspects in police officer’s slay
Authorities in the North Cotabato town of M’lang on Sunday arrested six men believed to be behind the murder of Senior Police Officer 1 Jovette Galan.
Supt. Geovanni Ladeo, M’lang town police chief, identified the suspects in last Friday's killing of Galan as Michael Mandadtem Bongkaisan and Ibrahim Macalnas Maacal, both of M’lang; and Alex Baliwan, Murad Baliwan Mael, Taha De Leon Kusain and Mamayla Dagandalan Kusain, all of Barangay Paatan, Kabacan, North Cotabato. Ladeo said police first arrested Michael Bongkaisan and Ibrahim Mael who confessed on their participation in the crime as “lookouts.” They later told police that their companions were hiding in the nearby town of Kabacan.
Bongkaisan and Mael even accompanied the police in arresting their four companions in Barangay Paatan, Kabacan, North Cotabato, the police official said.
All the suspects pointed to Baliwan as the gunmen who shot dead Galan, a member of the M’lang police intelligence section, along the national highway in Barangay Lika, M’lang, North Cotabato at around 7 p.m. Friday.
Ladeo said the six persons conspired to kill Galan who was doing intelligence work in Barangay Lika. As Galan fell from bullets, the suspects grabbed his service 9mm pistol and his motorbike.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): NPA leader killed in clash with Army troops
A New People's Army (NPA) leader was killed in an encounter with government troops from the Army’s 3rd Infantry battalion in Purok 1, Barangay Baracatan, Toril here on Sunday.
Lt. Col Oscar Partuza, commander of 3rd Infantry Battalion, said in an interview on Monday that the troops led by 2Lt. Roland Tangara chanced upon the rebels believed to be under the Pulang Bagani Command 3 while conducting focus military operation in the vicinity of said village.
"As the troops were approaching the enemy location, an encounter transpired and heavy exchange of fire followed," Partuza said.
After a 30-minute firefight, he said the enemies withdrew towards the southern part of the encounter site.
He reported no casualty from the government side, but the troops found one body identified as that of Viva Albert Abenua alias "Ivy", 37, single, resident of Ilang-ilang, San Mariano Loreto, Agusan del Sur, and a commander of the Pulang Bagani.
The troops also recovered two high powered firearms – M16A1 and AK47 rifle - along with four units of detonator switch, five magazines of AK47 and a fully loaded magazine of short M16.
"Nadala po natin sa baba sa funeral home, binuhat ng tropa ang patay para mabigyan ng disenting libing (We brought the body to the funeral home to be given a decent funeral)," Partuza said.
"We are not encouraging fighting between Filipinos but we are inviting them to surrender and lay down their firearms and return to the folds of the law,” he said.
Partuza said surrenderers can always avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program that will help them start a new life. http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048290
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): GenSan, Midsayap police chiefs relieved over weekend bombings
The chiefs of police in General Santos City and Midsayap, North Cotabato were relieved following bombings in the areas over the weekend, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde confirmed Monday. Relieved were General Santos City Police Office station head Police Chief Insp. Patrich A. Elma and Midsayap Municipal Police Station Chief Police Supt. Samuel T. Cadungon.
Elma will be replaced by Police Senior Insp. Davis V. Dulawan while Cadungon will be replaced by Police Supt. Joan M. Maganto.
Speaking to newsmen before flying to Northern Luzon to inspect police post disaster operations in areas affected by Typhoon Ompong, Albayalde explained that terror cells are competing to get recognition and support from the transnational terror group ISIS through their attacks.
"Kahit na BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) yan, merong Turaife, merong ibang grupo, may mga tatlo o apat na grupo na nag-uunahan para makakuha ng recognition sa ISIS. Although they come from the same main group, iba ibang subgroup ito at may kanya kanya silang leaders dahil nagko-compete ito, (Even if they are BIFF, or Turaife, there are three or four groups competing for recognition from ISIS. Although they come from the same main group, there are subgroups which have individual leaders," Albayalde said.
The PNP chief said seven individuals who were injured in the attacks are already out of danger.
"Fortunately, walang namatay (there were no deaths). As of this time, out of danger ang declaration ng pito na nasugatan. That includes a six-year old na bata. (The declaration is that the seven people wounded are now out of danger, including a six-year-old child). Because of this, again, we reminded our regional diretors sa Mindanao area to strengthen their target hardening measures, of course, ang kanilang intelligence gathering. Napaka-importante nito para matigil ang mga bombings na ito (Their intelligence gathering is very important to foil these bombings)," Albayalde said.
The PNP chief said forensic investigators are now evaluating to compare whether similar bomb-making materials were used in the attacks.
Last Sunday's attacks took place only hours apart and comes barely a month after a bomb killed three and injured three dozen others in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat last August 28.
The attack took place inside a videoke bar in Barangay Poblacion 4, Midsayap, North Cotabato with reports claiming two men arriving and ordering soda drinks before hurrying to leave the place.
Earlier in the day, another bomb attack wounded seven people near a pharmacy was targeted in Crossing Makar, Barangay Apopong, General Santos City. http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048221
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): BRP Tarlac leaves for Russia Friday
Strategic sealift vessel BRP Tarlac (LD-601) will leave the country for the Navy's first-ever port visit to Vladivostok, Russia on Friday (September 21).
This was confirmed by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Monday.
"The Navy has (scheduled) on Sept. 21 the departure of LD-601 (BRP Tarlac) for Vladivostok, Russia," he added.
Earlier, Zata said the PN is now preparing the ship for its Russian voyage. This refers to the stocking of provisions like fuel, oil, lubricants and other sundries needed for the voyage.
BRP Tarlac will sail alone and the voyage from the Philippines to Vladivostok, Russia will take "eight to 10 days."
He added that BRP Tarlac's port visit will last five days.
The scheduled PN port call is in reciprocation of the visit of Russian warships in Manila last June and those of last year, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said.
The Tarlac-class SSVs are the largest PN ships in service as of this posting.
These vessels have an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.
Both have a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Navy now involved in aid missions for 'Ompong' victims
In line with the ongoing government relief efforts for Typhoon Ompong, the Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday announced that its Naval Forces Northern Luzon is now heavily involved in the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations.
"Our Naval Forces Northern Luzon is heavily involved in the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations under the Northern Command," PN spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
Also, he said that all the PN's logistics and ships are currently on stand-by for possible relief efforts.
"The Navy's logistics and landing docks ships are currently on standby for additional relief efforts while aircraft and helicopters are already performing tasks under NOLCOM (Northern Luzon Command)," he added.
In a press briefing Monday, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) spokesperson Edgar Posadas said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has identified two C-130 cargo planes and C-295 medium transport for HADR missions.
Also, the AFP conducted aerial rapid damage assessment and needs analysis over the affected areas.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): AFP respects guilty verdict vs. Palparan, et al
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it respects the court's decision convicting three military personnel of kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges.
"As it has been and always will be, the position of the AFP is submission to the majesty of the courts and respect for the rule of law," AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
The AFP issued the statement after the Malolos City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 sentenced retired Major Gen. Jovito Palparan and his co-accused Lt. Col.Felipe Anotado, Jr., and Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention for the 2006 disapperance of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan.
All three were also sentenced to reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years.
While the AFP has yet to see or receive a copy of the decision, Arevalo added that the military respects whatever legal action the three will avail of.
"We also respect whatever legal recourse are available to and will be availed by Major Gen. Palparan, Jr. et al. under the law and the Rules of Court," Arevalo said.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): No special treatment for Palparan at Bilibid
There will be no special treatment for retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan who will be detained at the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa said Monday.
The BuCor chief said the retired Army official will undergo normal procedures.
“The (first) five days quarantine period, he will undergo medical examination to determine (his) physical state and mental health. Then he will (undergo) briefing on prison rule and regulations," dela Rosa told reporters.
Dela Rosa said once Palparan arrives at the NBP, he will go to Reception Diagnostic Center (RDC) and will stay there for 60 days.
"Then after five days, the remaining 55 days will be used for assessment purposes to assess him on what program will be reformatory or rehabilitation program to undergo while serving his sentence. After 60 days, we will be ready to transfer (him) to his regular dormitory,” dela Rosa told reporters on Monday when sought for comment.
Dela Rosa noted that Palparan will be placed at the maximum security compound because he was sentenced to reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years, which is the highest penalty.
On Monday, the Malolos City Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Palparan and Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado Jr. and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of University of the Philippines (UP) students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006.
Malolos RTC Branch 15 Judge Alexander Tamayo sentenced the three to reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years.
They was also ordered by the court to pay the amount of pay PHP300,000 each in civil indemnity and moral damages to the families of the two UP students.
On Aug. 12, 2014, Palparan was arrested in a house in Sta. Mesa, Manila after three years in hiding.
He was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Malolos RTC in 2011 in connection with the kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges filed by the relatives of the two missing UP students.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Verdict vs. Palparan proves justice system is alive: DOJ
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said the guilty verdict against retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. and two others for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges means that justice is alive and attainable for victims of crimes.
“Justice may come a bit late, but it does come. Let’s believe in that,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a text message.
Meanwhile, the National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL) lauded the court's ruling.
"[Palparan's] conviction sends the message that cocky perpetrators of hideous human rights violations will meet their match in the fortitude of the mothers, the strength of the mass movement, the courage of human rights defenders, and the value of good lawyering for the people," the NUPL said in a statement.
On Monday, the Malolos City Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Palparan, Lt. Col.Felipe Anotado Jr., and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of University of the Philippines (UP) students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006.
Malolos RTC Branch 15 Judge Alexander Tamayo sentenced the three to reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years.
“All things considered, the evidence of the prosecution indubitably proved beyond reasonable doubt that the aforementioned elements of kidnapping and serious illegal detention obtain in the two cases at bar and the three accused should be penalized accordingly,” read the decision.
The convicts were also ordered by the court to pay the amount of PHP300,000 each in civil indemnity and moral damages to the families of the two UP students.
On Aug. 12, 2014, Palparan was arrested in a house in Sta. Mesa, Manila, after three years of hiding.
He was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Malolos RTC in 2011 in connection with the charges filed by the relatives of the two missing UP students.
He has since been held in detention at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
In indicting Palparan for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges, the DOJ held that he had a direct hand in the detention of Cadapan and Empeño based on the testimony of Raymond Manalo, a farmer.
Manalo and his brother Reynaldo, were also abducted by alleged military officers from their respective houses in San Ildefonso, Bulacan in 2006.
He said they were detained for more than one year in various military camps in Southern Luzon before managing to escape on August 13, 2007.
During their detention, Manalo said he met and managed to talk to the two missing UP students, who were also being detained by Palparan’s men.
Raymond further narrated that she saw Cadapan and Empeño being subjected to torture by their captors.
