Palparan’s case argues for restoration of death penalty

He is sometimes likened to the chief of Gestapo that was organized by Adolf Hitler to go after the Jews and the Germans who were against the Nazi government. Retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan is said to have been allowed to go witch-hunting after those perceived to be against the government, more specifically suspected communist rebels, during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. And many of his alleged victims were young students who were disappeared, and many of whom were believed to have been tortured and even killed.

Under the present administration of President Aquino, the government has charged Palparan and several military men for the abduction of UP students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.

Palparan and one of his co-accused are now in hiding. If they are not guilty of the crimes they are accused of, why are they running from the law? This is an opportunity for them to prove they are innocent, if indeed they are. Filipinos from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi believe Palparan was behind human rights violations committed by government soldiers.

Government should restore the death sentence. People found guilty of committing heinous crimes have no place in our democratic society.

—ROMMEL S. VALDEZ,

FS Pajares Avenue,

Pagadian Citys