THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied on Monday, October 1, that is coddling retired Major General Jovito Palparan Jr., who was supposed to be detained at the National Bilibid Prison after he was found guilty of "kidnapping" two students in 2006.

Palparan remains at the Philippine Army Custodial Center (PACC) in Taguig pending the resolution of another case against him in relation to the illegal detention of an eyewitness on the disappearance of University of the Philippines student-activists Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño.

“The AFP shares the aggrieved parties’ call for justice. In deferring the transfer, the AFP is not protecting Major General Palparan et al. It merely submits to the judicial processes already in place and running,” said AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo.

Palparan was sentenced to reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment on September 17 by Malolos Regional Trial Court Judge Alexander Tamayo. He was found guilty of serious illegal detention and kidnapping charges.

Under his watch as Philippine Army North Luzon Commander, Palparan allegedly implemented anti-insurgency campaigns that led to sudden disappearance and killing of anti-government individuals.

Convicted along with Palparan were Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Anotado Jr. and Staff Seargent Edgardo Osorio.

Arevalo said Palparan remains at the PACC as he is facing two cases.

"One before Regional Trial Court Branch 15 of Judge Alexander Tamayo for Cadapan and Empeño case. The other case is with Regional Trial Court Branch 19 presided by Judge Francisco Felizmenio for Manalo Brothers case,” he said.

“Due to his conviction in the Cadapan and Empeño case, lawyers for Major General Palparan et al. submitted a motion for reconsideration on September 18. Counsels also filed on September 24 an urgent motion to defer the implementation of the order to transfer of Major General Palparan -- the resolution of which they are awaiting hence the continued detention at the PACC,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)