Kin of Empeño, Cadapan ask SC to disclose Palparan's whereabouts

The families of abducted University of the Philippines (UP) students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan on Monday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to compel the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to disclose the whereabouts of retired Army general Jovito Palparan amid reports that he had been transferred to Baguio City.

In an ambush interview, lawyer Julian Oliva Jr. said notices sent by the High Court to Palparan through BuCor were returned. According to the returned notices, Palparan was supposedly already at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City.

"Convicted si Palparan at dapat i-serve niya 'yung sentence niya ng reclusion perpetua. Ang service ng parusa ng reclusion perpetua ay sa National Bilibid Prison (NBP), sa maximum detention," Oliva said.

(Palparan was convicted and should serve his sentence of reclusion perpetua. A sentence of reclusion perpetua should be served at the National Bilibid Prison's maximum-security facility.)

Asked for comment, BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said Palparan remains confined at the NBP in Muntinlupa City.

According to Catapang, the transfer of any inmate, especially high-profile detainees such as Palparan, follows strict protocols and requires proper documentation.

"Catapang reassured the public and the concerned parties that the Bureau of Corrections maintains transparency and accountability in managing the custody of all inmates," BuCor said in a statement.

"The BuCor continues to uphold its commitment to lawful procedures, and Palparan remains securely detained at the NBP. Any future developments or changes in his detention status will be communicated through official channels to maintain clarity and public trust," it added.

Palparan was convicted by a Bulacan court for the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of Empeño and Cadapan in 2006.

In June 2022, the Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction.

Oliva said Palparan subsequently elevated the case to the Supreme Court.—MCG, GMA News