MALOLOS CITY, Philippines — Lawyer Jesus Santos, one of the counsels of fugitive Army general Jovito Palparan Jr. told the court that he received information that two missing University of the Philippines (UP) are still alive.
But the prosecution camp said it might be another dilatory tactics of Palparan lawyers, adding it will send law enforcement agency into a wild goose chase.
For Erlinda Cadapan, the mother one of the missing UP students who still hope that her daughter is still alive, it is insensitive.
Santos made the disclosure before counsels, family of victims and Judge Teodora Gonzales of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14.
In an interview after the hearing, Santos said he received a very reliable information through a phone call on Sunday night.
However, he did not disclose the identity of the source.
He said as lawyer, he believed that the information is true, however, he stressed that he still have to verify it.
“I believe it’s true, that’s why I informed the court, and I will also inform the law enforcement agency,” he said.
However, prosecution lawyers are not convinced with Santos information.
Lawyer Edre Olalia said if Santos’ information is true, he must show proof, or just present Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno in court.
Olalia added that Santos’ statement might be another dilatory tactics aimed at sending search teams of law enforcement agencies into a wild goose chase.
“If that is really true, then, Palparan and his men might be really guilty,” Olalia said.
When asked to comment on Olalia’s statements, Santos said if the Cadapan and Empenio are still alive, it will only mean that there is no case against Palparan and other accused.
“In this case, we have a kidnapping with serious illegal detention because the victims are female and are missing for about six years now,” Olila said.
Palparan along with Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario and M/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio are facing kidnapping with serious illegal detention charges before the RTC branch 14 here.
Anotado and Osorio presented themselves to court last December but Palparan and Hilario remain at large.
Sources said he is hiding in San Miguel, Bulacan but others said he is in Aurora province.
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GMA News Online
January 30, 2012 01:16 PM
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