The question originally posed remains: Where was Palparan when the notices from the Supreme Court were refused by NBP personnel on his behalf in February and March 2026 for the reasons that Palparan “moved out: transferred to BuCor-Baguio” and “moved out to PMA Baguio” respectively?

The answer is clear: he was in Baguio City during that time. This is reflected in the above-mentioned handwritten notes in the returned mails, and confirmed by the tracking information of the Philpost. This was further supported by the PMA’s statement of non-denial and BuCor’s general statement that Palparan is still in their custody, without providing proof that he is still detained at the NBP.

Pushed to the wall by pressure from families of the victims and human rights groups, BuCor scrambled to bring Palparan back to the NBP. They did so just in time for the private complainants to see him in person inside the NBP. Contrary to the public statement of the NBP that the request of private complainants was only made on the same day of their visit, the request for verification was, in truth, sent to the BuCor as early as June 18, 2026.

To complete the performance, Palparan was shown to the private complainants in an orange shirt required for inmates at the maximum security compound, instead of the brown shirt worn by inmates at the minimum security compound which Palparan was seen wearing in the photo BuCor initially released in its vain effort to show that he was still at the NBP. Notably, NBP Superintendent Gary Garcia already publicly admitted that Palparan was previously held at the Minimum Security Compound purportedly due to unsubstantianted “security concerns.”

Despite this well-rehearsed, well-choreographed performance, the fact remains that the NBP returned the letters addressed to Palparan because he was not at the NBP when they were delivered. In its knee-jerk reaction to the issue, the BuCor unintentionally exposed to the public that Palparan is enjoying special privileges not accorded to other inmates. Aside from being allowed to stay inside the Minimum Security Compound, Palparan is also provided with regular medical care by the V. Luna Medical Center, a privilege that ordinary inmates can only dream of, while they have to wait for weeks, and even months, before requests for medical check-ups and laboratory tests are approved.

It is not enough that the BuCor presented Palparan to the private complainants on June 25, 2026. BuCor should explain why Palparan was previously allowed to be brought to PMA Baguio and why he is being accorded special privileges not given to other inmates.### 

Reference:

Atty. Julian Oliva, Jr.

NUPL Counsel

09175465799

The post Showing Jovito Palparan to Families of Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan Not Enough to Disprove Special Privileges Accorded by Bureau of Corrections to Convicted Human Rights Violator appeared first on NUPL Philippines.

To recall, in 2018, Palparan was convicted of the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of Sherlyn and Karen. His conviction marked a significant milestone in the long-fought struggle for justice by victims of enforced disappearances and human rights violations.

However, throughout the trial and even after his conviction, Palparan has repeatedly enjoyed privileges and special treatment unavailable to ordinary persons deprived of liberty. For years, he was detained at Fort Bonifacio rather than in a regular detention facility, purportedly due to alleged threats to his safety. Reports also indicate that after his transfer to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), he was not committed to a regular prison cell alongside other inmates. Only a year after he was convicted, Palparan was likewise allowed an on-camera interview while serving his sentence and facing another criminal trial, despite strict rules governing media access to persons deprived of liberty and the absence of any known court authorization.

Reports that Palparan has now been transferred to the PMA are deeply alarming. As a prisoner serving a sentence of reclusion perpetua, he should remain confined at the Maximum Security Camp of the NBP in Muntinlupa City.

Allowing a convicted perpetrator of grave human rights violations to receive extraordinary accommodations sends the wrong message—that accountability may be evaded by those with power or connections. It diminishes the hard-won victories of victims and their families, who have endured years of pain and suffering in their pursuit of justice.

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) stands with the families of Sherlyn Cadapan, Karen Empeño, and with all victims of enforced disappearance in demanding full disclosure of Palparan’s whereabouts. ###

The post Where Is Jovito Palparan? Families of Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan Demand Disclosure of Convicted Human Rights Violator’s Whereabouts appeared first on NUPL Philippines.