Jovito S. Palparan, Jr.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

• Birthdate: September 11, 1950
• Birthplace: Cagayan de Oro City
• Wife: Ma. Evangelina Gamad Flores Palparan, dentist
• Children: Macy, JC, Martin, Bullet, Claude

ISSUES

• Alleged human rights violator. The International Peasant Solidarity Mission found that there are "clear indications of military involvement" in the cases of human rights violations in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog. The group's report noted that the military seems to have become more brazen (in committing the human rights violations) under the command of MGen. Jovito Palparan, Jr..
  
  Malacañang came to Palparan's defense, saying that the international group's report linking the military to political killings is preposterous. In a press conference, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita praised Palparan as an effective component in the government's anti-insurgency campaign.
• Campaign against communist insurgency. In his brief stint as 8th Infantry Division commander, Gen. Palparan was credited for reducing the insurgency problem in Samar by 80 percent. Palparan however said he could have terminated insurgency in the province had he been given a two-month extension to implement his "clearing operation".
  
  In April 2006, Palparan gave a five-month deadline to wipe out the communist insurgency in Central Luzon - his area of responsibility as 7th Infantry Division commander.The deadline coincides with his 56th birthday and date of retirement from the AFP.
• In Malacañang's good graces. President Arroyo promoted Palparan twice: from colonel to brigadier general (2003); and from brigadier general to major general after serving as commander of the Philippine contingent in Iraq (2004). His promotion to major general came within months of his previous promotion.
  
  In her 2006 State of the Nation Address, President Arroyo acknowledged Palparan for his offensives against rebel terrorists. In the same breath she also said that she condemns political killings.

EDUCATION

• Masters in National Security Administration, National Defense College of the Philippines (1999)
• Masters in Management, Philippine Christian University
• Joint Services and Staff Course, Canberra, Australia
• Command and General Staff Course, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila (with honors)
• Infantry Officers Advanced Course, US Infantry School, Columbus, Georgia, USA
• Field Officers Tactics III, Land Warfare Center, Canungra, Australia (excellent rating)
• BS Business Administration, University of the East
• Cathedral High School, Cagayan de Oro City

CAREER

• Commanding General, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army (September 21, 2005-September 11, 2006)
• Commanding General, 8th Infantry Division, Catbalogan, Samar (2005)
• Chief of Staff, Philippine Army
• commander, Philippine Humanitarian Contingent in Iraq
• brigade commander, 204th Brigade, Mindoro and Romblon
• commander, Task Force Banahaw, CALABARZON
• Commanding Officer, Doctrine Center
• commander, AFP Rapid Deployment Force
• commander, 24th Infantry Battalion for 5 years
• lieutenant, served in Basilan and Sulu for eight years
• commissioned, called to active duty to the AFP in 1973

ACHIEVEMENTS (as claimed in his official biodata)

• As company grade officer, his unit defeated the most notorious group of Moro National Liberation Front in Paticul, Sulu; this led to the surrender of rebel Hakim Sale a.k.a. Snake and 60 fully-armed fighters
  
• As commander of the 24th Infantry Battalion, his unit was instrumental in
  • clearing eight provinces in Central Luzon and Cordillera of insurgents;
  • preventing the launching of coup d' etat between 1987 and 1989
  • elimination/liquidation of the New People's Army / ABB in NCR, also between 1987 and 1989

AWARDS

• Distinguished Service Stars
  • Palparan received a distinguished service star in March 2006 for his service as commander of the 8th Infantry Division-- the award was given amid persistent allegations from militant groups that he is a human rights violator.
• Gold Cross Medal
• Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medal
• Bronze Cross Medals
• Wounded Personnel Medals
  • Palparan was wounded early on in his military career, during an encounter with the Moro National Liberation Front.
• Military Merit Medals
• Campaign Medals

Sources: Official Biodata, Office of the President website, GMA News, Sunday Inquirer Magazine, Newsbreak, INQ7, Arkibongbayan.org