NBI: Logistics, health concerns could delay Palparan transfer

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is faced with two problems that could delay the court-ordered transfer of retired Army general Jovito Palparan from its custody to the Bulacan Provincial Jail.

First, the NBI does not have enough agents to ensure that Palparan, who is facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, gets safely transported to Bulacan considering its distance from Manila.

"Mahihirapan ang NBI to provide security sa kanya. Hindi naman kadamihan ang NBI agents namin kaya hihingi kami ng tulong sa Philippine National Police to augment security natin," said Rommel Vallejo, chief of the NBI Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division, in an interview with reporters Wednesday.

Palparan, 64, is facing two counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention before the Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Malolos, Bulacan, for the disappearance of two UP students alleged to have communist ties in 2006. He is set to be arraigned on Monday morning.

Vallejo said the NBI will definitely comply with the Bulacan court's commitment order, but will have to make the necessary security arrangements for Palparan's transfer first.

"Hindi biro ang pag-transfer kasi hindi biro ang threat niya sa life," Vallejo said of Palparan, who has been accused by human rights and militant organizations of having a hand in the extra-judicial killings and disappearances of suspected communist symphatizers while he was still in the military.

"Considering iyong threat sa security niya, I believe it will take some time, but not necessarily days [to transfer him]," he said.

Vallejo said the Bulacan Provincial Jail should likewise assure the court that it is capable of extending the appropriate security measures for a high-profile inmate like Palparan.

Health

The second consideration, meanwhile, is Palparan's health condition.

Vallejo said a physician had earlier conducted a check-up on Palparan and advised that he undergo blood testing.

"Mayroong nirekomenda na gawin muna niya... i-subject siya sa complete blood chem para matiyak kung talagang fit siya. Naghihintay tayo na masagawa sa kanya iyon," he said.

He said a medical technologist is needed to conduct the blood test, the result of which could be released within the same day.

"Kapag sinabi ng doktor na masama lagay niya, walang masama kung if we ask the court for some time, until kaya na niya," Vallejo said, stressing that it was the NBI's responsibility to ensure Palparan's safety while in its custody.

The NBI official said it was apparent while Palparan was being arrested inside a rented room in Sta. Mesa, Manila, that the fugitive was not feeling well.

Vallejo said Palparan spent his first night at the NBI holding center, which is near the agency clinic. —KBK, GMA News