Trillanes pushes for transfer of Palparan to AFP

Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV is pushing for the transfer of retired Major General Jovito Palparan to a military detention facility in order to ensure the safety of the former military official.

On Saturday, Trillanes, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, inspected Palparan's detention facility at the National Bureau of Investigation and checked on his condition.

"We were informed of the existing threats to the life of Gen. Palparan. To make sure that he is secure, it would be best that he is transferred to a detention facility of the AFP. This is also proper since the alleged crimes he committed were related to his functions as a commander in the Philippine Army," said Trillanes.

Trillanes, a former Navy officer, added that if the AFP, as an institution, will not guarantee the protection of Palparan, it might cause demoralization among the ranks, as this may set a precedent that our soldiers will have to face lawsuits for performing their duty as members of the military after their separation from active service.

Trillanes, however, emphasized, "This effort does not mean to absolve Gen. Palparan of the charges he is facing and I am also sure that the AFP will not intervene in the legal processes. We are only aiming to ensure the he is protected from any acts of retribution while he is in detention."