News Release

January 3, 2012

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today challenged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to officially condemn and denounce the past acts of fugitive M/Gen. Jovito Palparan.

“Failure to officially condemn, denounce and renounce Palparan’s past criminal acts and methods means the AFP is still tolerant of the “Butcher’s” rights abuses. It speaks of what kind of policy is still employed by the AFP,”  said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“Remember that Palparan himself was commended by the past commander-in-chief Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. It is a praise that has stuck with the institution like bad gum on a shoe. We have not heard the AFP speak to the contrary,” Reyes said.

Bayan also expressed concern over repeated statements by a group of retired generals who said that Palparan’s prosecution and alleged trial by publicity could cause demoralization within the ranks of the AFP.

“Demoralization among the ranks is only possible if the AFP still shares the same ideals as Palparan. If that is the case, then nothing has really changed with the armed forces. If the AFP will be demoralized by the prosecution of a known human rights violator, then it’s clear whose side the AFP is really on,” Reyes said.

“The AFP has yet to be held accountable for the crimes committed under Oplan Bantay Laya. Under the principle of command responsibility, there are many other officials including former chiefs of staff, who should be made to account for their role in the murder of hundreds of activists during the time of GMA,” Reyes said. ###