Group fears delays in kidnapping case vs Palparan

MANILA, Philippines - Supporters of the families of the two missing University of the Philippines (UP) students Karen Empeno and Sheryln Cadapan said the the trial of the criminal case against former military general Jovito Palparan and his co-accused will be further delayed. 

 

This after the the Bulacan judge has recently inhibited herself from hearing the case.

 

Rights group Karapatan said Malolos Regional Trial Court Judge Teodora Gonzales granted the motion for inhibition of Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio, one of the accused in the serious illegal detention and kidnapping cases.

 

Through lawyer Bonifacio Alentajan, Osorio said Gonzales has not been fair in trying the case after four years of court proceedings. 

 

The cases have been raffled off to Judge Alexander Tamayo of Branch 15. 

 

"Karapatan deplores moves to further delay the court proceedings...Palparan of course seems to be gleeful with these developments, considering his staycation outside regular detention facilities would be prolonged, while the mothers and fathers of Cadapan and Empeno remain anguished," Palabay said. 

 

Palparan, the principal accused, is currently detained in a military camp while the cases against him are being tried. 

 

Palparan has been accused of masterminding the disappearance of the two UP student activities in Bulacan in 2006.  He went into hiding after being indicted but was eventually captured years later.