Complaint vs. Gen. Palparan:
A birthday gift he deserved’—Progressive Groups

Progressive groups trooped to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Office in Diliman, Quezon City, to file charges of human rights violations against Gen. Jovito Palparan, head of the 7 th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Central Luzon.

Ironically, the AFP official that day celebrated his natal day and at the same time retiring from his post. Instead of wishing him a `Happy Birthday”, Citizen Council for Human Rights group led by Max de Mesa accompanied one of its affiliate members to the CHR to file complaint of human rights violations and other forms of abuses against the beleaguered retired General. In addition to this, the organizations likewise urged the Commission to conduct a thorough investigation on Palparan’s involvement on the enforced disappearances, extra –judicial killings which they described as politically-motivated. The Kilusang ng Pambansang Demokrasya sa Central Luzon alleged that the retired General was one of the perpetrators of these social injustice. Several members held a lightning rally at the CHR grounds holding placards denouncing Palparan with the tri-media covering the event.

CHR Officer-in-Charge Quintin B. Cueto, lll and Commissioner Eligio P. Mallari held a dialogue with Mr. de Mesa and company. The objective of the meeting, the visitors said, was to send a strong message to the government to end political killings.

The Kilusan ng Pambansang Demokrasya sa Central Luzon added that they believe in the certain level of independence being displayed by the CHR as compared to the Melo Commission and Task Force Usig created by President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo. Thus, as a sign of their trust and confidence to CHR, they submitted a compilation of their Report with the end view of finding an unbiased, fair and balanced results to cases they brought before the collegial body.

The groups likewise requested the CHR 1) to create a Task Force specifically focused on the issues of political killings, 2) issue strong statements/declarations to pull out all military detachments in schools, churches and other vulnerable areas which brought fear to civilians and 3) to immediately put up Barangay Human Rights Action Centers (BHRACs) to ease the apprehensions experienced by the townsfolk especially those belonging to organizations as well as serve as `comfort zone’ to those who only wished for a peaceful and quiet environment in their respective localities.

OIC Commissioner Cueto assured people from Central Luzon that necessary course of actions shall be taken by the Commission en banc as soon as they convened. He added that in fact, the CHR has already activated BHRACs and have been in place in some areas in Luzon.

As the talks progressed, Commissioner Eligio P. Mallari stressed that full cooperation of the witnesses are needed to resolve these complaints. Pure `hearsays’, he pointed out, will never stand in the CHR Public Inquiry nor in any court for that matter. It is very important, he added, that the witnesses submit their sworn affidavits to be used as basis in filing the case at the Fiscal’s office, the OMBUDSMAN or the Department of Justice.

Nonetheless, those invited as resource persons in any Public Hearing conducted by the CHR should not `snub’ any such proceedings specifically those subpoenaed by the Commission. Realistically speaking, Commissioner Mallari informed those present during the dialogue held at the CHR’s Audio Visual Room, that the CHR had the power to contempt any individual or individuals who refused or will refuse to cooperate with the said investigations. A clear example, according to the head of the CHR Protection Group and Commissioner-in-Charge of Region 3, was the recently concluded Public Inquiry held at the Sanggunian Session Hall, Pulong Maragal, in Angeles City where ordered alleged military human rights violators to explain why they should not be charge of contempt by the CHR for refusing to appear before the Public Inquiry on August 28 and 29, 2006. Issues raised were the reported extra-judicial killings, the controversial ‘cedula’, enforced disappearances, and other human-rights related matters.

In case these people failed to answer complaints filed against them or in case the Commission finds their (resource persons) explanation as unsubstantial, then by all means, certain penalty may be meted against them. The officials of the Commission take pride to the fact that what the Commission issues through its Advisories are taken seriously and respected by both the national and international communities. It is in this light that OIC Cueto expressed his appreciation to the Central Luzon residents who trooped to the CHR Main office that morning for putting their `trust’ to the CHR. In all humility, he stressed that the Commission shall continue to be credible and courageous in its stand on matters pertaining to respect for human life. Likewise, he encouraged complainants to go to any CHR nearest the place where they stay to file complaints of violations against their human rights versus any `state actor’. xxx