ANGELES CITY – Claiming no less than 108 of its members and sympathizers were among the victims of retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL) has joined the nationwide manhunt for the retired military officer who is now a fugitive for evading arrest.
“Palparan imposed the reign of terror in Central Luzon that implemented the countless extra-judicial killings of activists and supporters. He is indebted to farmers and various sectors of the region,” said AMGL chair Joseph Canlas.
Palparan commanded the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based at Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija, from September 2005 until his retirement on September 2006.
“He waged massive military operations covering central and northern Luzon regions,” Canlas noted.
Canlas descibed Palparan as “a resolute mad dog of the Arroyo government in implementing its counter-insurgency program Oplan Bantay Laya.”
“To seek justice for his victims, we are now coordinating with our eight provincial chapters in the regions so that our members could contribute into his arrest,” Canlas said.
Palparan is wanted by the government for the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines (UP) students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño. t for the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines (UP) students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño.
“Our members are our eyes and ears against Palparan, if he hides at the countryside of the region, his days are numbered and definitely he would be caught,” Canlas said.
AMGL said that at least 108 farmers and supporters belonging to AMGL, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna were victims of extra-judicial killings during the implementation of Oplan Bantay Laya 1 and 2 in the region.
During Palparan’s stint, 57 farmers, indigenous people and fisherfolk were killed.
The group added that supporters of Hacienda Luisita farmworkers became the common victims of extra-judicial killings during the implementation of Oplan Bantay Laya and Palparan’s time in the region.
Marcelino Beltran, chair of AMT (Tarlac) was killed on December 8, 2004; Tarlac City councilor and former sugar mill worker Abel Ladera was killed on March 3, 2005; Iglesia Filipina Independiente priest Fr. William Tadena was killed on March 13, 2005 in La Paz town, Tarlac.
The other victims also included Victor “Tata Ben” Concepcion, peasant leader of AMC (Pampanga) who was active at the picketline was killed on March 17, 2005; Florante Collante, Bayan Muna Tarlac coordinator was killed on October 15, 2005;
Central Azucarera de Tarlac Labor Union (CATLU) president and Barangay Chair Ricardo Ramos was killed on October 25, 2005 at Barangay Mapalacsiao inside Hacienda Luisita; Tirso Cruz, a leader of United Luisita Workers’ Union (ULWU) was killed on March 17, 2006; IFI Bishop Alberto Ramento who was actively supporting the farmworkers was killed inside the church at the center of Tarlac City on October 3, 2006.
“It is very clear that Palparan helped the Cojuangco-Aquinos during the heightened struggle of farmworkers at the hacienda, even targeting their supporters, hence, we clearly understand if the Aquino government would not be able to arrest him,” Canlas said.
Canlas also accused the Aquino government of “continuing the implementation of Oplan Bantay Laya through Oplan Bayanihan, Palparan’s arrest totally lie on the participation of broad sectors.”
“During the height of the fertilizer scam issue, AMC (Pampanga) peasant leader Ofelia Rodriguez who denied to media on October 25, 2005 receiving any such subsidy was subjected to continued surveillance until she was killed on January 16, 2006 at Barangay Divisoria, Mexico Pampang ,” recalled Canlas.
“Oplan Bantay Laya and Palparan’s command raised hell to the region and dark age on our democratic rights to organize and protest. The Arroyo government clearly benefited from Palparan’s fascist rule, thus, his arrest would strengthen the case against her,” Canlas said.
AMGL said that they would directly report to Karapatan Central Luzon and KMP once Palparan is sighted at their areas to facilitate his immediate arrest.
Mobilized to hunt down Palparan were the Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Bulacan (AMB), Aguman Maglalautang de Capampangan (AMC, Pampanga), Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Tarlak (AMT), AMGL – Nueva Ecija, PAMANA – Aurora, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) – Pangasinan, AMGL Bataan and KMP Zambales.
The group is also in close coordination with the Central Luzon Aeta Association (CLAA), Timpuyog Kaigorotan – Nueva Ecija, Samahan ng mga Katutubo sa Sierra Madre (SKSM – Aurora), Pamalakaya – Bulacan, fisherfolk areas in Pangasinan and Zambales, Anakpawis and Bayan Muna chapters.
