“We challenge them to submit names, you file a complaint and this will be addressed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos at a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.

He was reacting to the reported request of Elaine Person, HRW’s deputy Asia director, to President Benigno Aquino III to send the message to the AFP that the years of protecting Palparan are over.

She also reportedly said Aquino should also tell the AFP to cooperate with civilian authorities in the prosecution of Palparan.

But Burgos assured the New York-based human rights group that the AFP does not condone giving protection or sanctuary to suspected criminals even if they are former soldiers.

“We have the Human Rights Office that can take charge of the complaint,” he said.

Palparan went into hiding last December after a Bulacan court issue a warrant for his arrest for the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006 when Palparan was the commander of the 7th Infantry Division.

Meanwhile, a state prosecutor said they will file within the week a motion asking the Malolos Regional Trial Court to expunge from the records all pleadings filed by the law firm of Atty. Jesus Santos, who claimed to represent Palparan.

Santos, who used to lawyer for former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, earlier made an appearance as co-counsel for Palparan before Judge Teodora Gonzales of the Malolos RTC Branch 14.

In an interview with reporters Wednesday, State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera said they will ask the court to junk the manifestation filed by Santos insisting his appearance for Palparan despite his failure to secure a “conforme” formally authorizing him as Palparan lawyer.

Navera said among the pleadings that Santos filed and which they wanted removed from records are the motion seeking to annul the arrest warrants issued against Palparan and his two co-accused, the motion to lift the hold-departure order, and the motion to suspend the proceedings in the RTC.

The prosecutors also said that they will also argue their point during the next hearing on the case on Feb. 6. — KBK, GMA News

Gazmin said the Department of National Defense will not extend legal assistance to the fugitive ex-officer since he has already reached retirement age more than 4 years ago.

“We will let the wheel of justice move. If he surrenders to us, then fine. We will turn him over to the proper authority,” he said.

He added that he also sees no problem with the statement of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers asking the public to refrain from trial by publicity against Palparan.

Palparan and co-accused M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario have refused to surrender following the issuance of warrants for their arrest by Judge Teodora Gonzales of Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 14 who handles the case for kidnapping with serious illegal detention against Palparan, Hilario, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, Jr., and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio. (ABS-CBN News)