Manila: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) granted a request from complainants to meet with retired general Jovito Palparan and verify that he is incarcerated at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). In his report to BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Thursday, NBP Superintendent Gary Garcia said that upon receiving the request from complainants Erlinda Cadapan and Concepcion Empe±o, along with their lawyers, they were allowed to meet with Palparan for over an hour.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia stated that the letter request was sent and acted upon on the same day, reflecting BuCor's prompt response. "Sana noon pa nag-request na sila para hindi na nagkaroon ng kalituhan, dahil willing naman ang BuCor at transparent ang aming ahensya pagdating sa mga ganyang bagay (They should have asked earlier so we could avoid confusion as BuCor remains transparent about these matters)," Garcia explained.
Palparan has been confined in the Minimum Security Compound well before Catapang assumed his role as BuCor Director General due to security concerns, as inmates with varying political affiliations are housed in the Maximum Security Compound. A team of special investigators from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) - Delfin Banluta, Kirsten Phoebe Bautista, and Marie Bernadette Mirandilla - also arrived at NBP to conduct their own investigation into Palparan's status.
Catapang emphasized BuCor's transparency and willingness to accommodate visitors and investigators, provided they follow established rules and protocols. "Guaranteeing the safety of our persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) is a priority - not only for Palparan but for everyone entrusted to our care," Catapang asserted. He added that the Bureau remains committed to fairness and security in all operations, ensuring no inmate receives preferential treatment while prioritizing the welfare of all detainees under its custody.
Palparan was convicted by a Bulacan court in 2018 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empe±o.
