Palparan's hearing reset for Feb. 6

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – Retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan’s hearing today was reset for Feb. 6, the original schedule.

Prosecutor Edre Olalia said he learned from the Department of Justice yesterday that Malolos Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 here will not hear Palparan’s motion for reconsideration.

The case will be heard on Feb. 6, along with other motions as per agreement of the parties on Jan. 2, he added.

Olalia said he was surprised to learn that Palparan’s counsel has filed a motion for an immediate court proceeding today.

Palparan’s counsel claimed inaction on the part of Judge Teodora Gonzales on their omnibus motion filed last Jan. 2, he added.

The motion prayed for the recall of the warrant of arrest and hold departure order against Palparan, and for the suspension of proceedings.

Palparan along with Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario and S/ Sgt. Eduardo Osorio, has been charged for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Palparan and Hilario remain at large, while Anotado and Osorio have surrendered.

Palparan coddlers

Former colleagues in the Armed Forces are coddling Palparan, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

“We have been receiving reports that some people are coddling General Palparan, but it would not be fair to name them,” he said.

Robredo said he could not disclose whether the people helping Palparan are his superiors since he is not familiar with the military organization.

The P1-million reward is apparently working since the government has been receiving information about Palparan, he added.

Robredo advised Palparan to surrender and clear his name.

Palparan’s hiding will only create the impression that he is guilty, he added. Robredo said that before Christmas Palparan sent surrender feelers, but nothing had materialized. The administration has not been persecuting Palparan, he added. Palparan will be given due process and a fair trial, Robredo said. Earlier, the National Bureau of Investigation had warned the coddlers would be charged with obstruction of justice. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe