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01/28/2012
Fugitive ex-military official Major Gen. Jovito Palparan was reportedly sighted in three towns in Bataan province, police intelligence report said.
As this developed, at least three police teams have been formed to track down the former Army officer who was reportedly sighted in Bagac, Morong and Abucay — all in Bataan province.
Bataan police director Senior Supt. Arnold Gunnacao said the reports have reached his office claiming that on Thursday he got a text message saying that Palparan was spotted near the Philippine Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion in Abucay, Bataan.
Records showed that Palparan had been assigned at the PA’s 24th IB as brigade commander during his military term.
Gunnacao then hinted that Palparan could really be hiding in Bataan since he had helped many people during his military service.
But Gunnacao said that they have to confirm such report first before going to conclude that the military official is really hiding in this province.
It will be recalled that the Department of Interior and Local Government has confirmed that any individual that can lead to Palparan’s arrest will receive a reward of P1 million.
Initially, the government has offered P500,000 as bounty for Palparan’s arrest but it was doubled to P1 million.
Palparan, along with Master Sergeant Rizal Hilario, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio are at large, is being charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention for the abduction of still missing UP students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006.
There were earlier reports that Palparan was already sending surrender feelers to some of his colleagues in the Armed Forces.
DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, on the other hand, noted that it is better for the ex-military official to seek refuge to the government so he can assure of his security.
Palparan is tagged as “berdugo” for his alleged inhuman activities and ruling during his military service.
Meanwhile, Malacañang official said that they have yet to hear any favorable development on the hunt for the fugitive retired general who has been hiding from authorities since an arrest warrant was issued in relation to the disappearance of two student activists in 2006.
At the regular press briefing, deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte said that the government has been doing its best insofar as capturing Palparan.
“Best efforts are being exerted by the government,” Valte said.
Government agencies commissioned to track down the location of Palparan has so far failed to arrest Palparan, who has earlier been reportedly sighted in three places — Taguig, Quezon province and Bataan. In all three places, operatives failed to get the fugitive general.
Earlier this month, the Philippine government has doubled from P500,000 to P1 million the reward money for the arrest Palparan. However, not even the bounty could yield positive results, compelling the Palace to issue a statement calling for public cooperation.