Palparan joins fray vs. Duterte, hits mayor's NPA links

Retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, an independent senatorial candidate, on Wednesday scored Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for his closeness with communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

"Sunod ang [bayolenteng] krimen ng NPA nitong mga nakaraang buwan ngunit si Duterte masaya pang ipinagmamalaki ang relasyon nya sa NPA," Palparan said in a video released by the office of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

Palparan, who once served as Bantay party-list representative, is detained at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in connection with the abduction and disappearance of two UP students in 2006.

Trillanes, meanwhile, has become a very vocal critic of Duterte in the past few days.

In the video, Palparan expressed worry about what seemed like an alliance between Duterte and exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison.

"Nakakabahala ang sinabi ni Joma na magkaroon ng coalition government at revolutionary government naman sabi ni Duterte," said Palparan, whose service in the military was marked by an aggressive campaign against NPA rebels.

Because of this, Palparan said voters should think twice before voting for Duterte, who remains on top in the recent Pulse Asia survey of presidential candidates.

"Maghunos dili po tayo mga kababayan, mukhang sisirain ng dalawang ito ang ating maka demokrasya pamumuhay. Tutulan natin ang inaasam-asam ni Joma na communist government," Palparan said.

Palparan also called Duterte a "traitor" who allegedly gave funds to the communist movement. He said money were used  by the rebels to buy weapons that killed soldiers and policemen. He also linked Duterte to smuggling activities and to the killing of a broadcaster in December 2007.

"Huwag nating hayaan ganito ang mamumo sa Pilipinas," Palparan appealed tdo voters. "Maawa po tayo sa ating sarli."  —KBK/JST, GMA News