Fugitive ex-major general Jovito Palparan Jr. avoided capture by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) early Friday morning after NBI agents failed to find him at his house, authorities said.
NBI agents armed with a warrant went to Palparan's house in Lakeview, Bagong Ilog, Pasig City to arrest him. The NBI agents had to knock for several minutes at the door of the house, which is protected by high walls. The former general's wife, Dr. Vangie Palparan, later opened the door and allowed authorities inside.
NBI agents searched the 3-storey house but did not find Palparan. Palparan's wife claimed that she last saw him December 27 and that he has not gone home since.
Malacañang, meanwhile, shrugged off a statement made by the Association of General and Flag Officers Inc. that criticized the alleged "trial by publicity" against Palparan.
"Naiintindihan… of course, magkakaroon po tayo ng mga sektor who are entitled to their own views and their own opinions," said deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte.
She said the Palace has never called Palparan "berdugo" (executioner).
"Wala akong naaalalang mayroon po sa amin in particular here in the Palace… that referred to General Palparan as such. Ang bottom line nito, nabibigyan po siya ng pagkakataon na ipagtanggol po ang sarili nya doon sa tamang venue," Valte said.
The NBI manhunt continues against Palparan, who is facing kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges for the abduction of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in 2006.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com
Authorities have raised to P1 million the reward money for information that would lead to the arrest of retired Maj. General Jovito Palparan, who is an accused in the kidnapping of 2 missing student activists of the University of the Philippines.