Meeting of Hearts: Families Seek Closure in a Long-Standing Case
In a significant moment for families yearning for answers, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced on Thursday that they would allow the families of abducted University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan to meet with retired Army General Jovito Palparan. This glimmer of hope came after the heartfelt request from Erlinda Cadapan and Concepcion Empeño—a testament to their unwavering search for justice.
The request to meet Palparan arose after reports circulated that he had been transferred to Baguio City. BuCor’s National Bilibid Prison (NBP) Superintendent, Gary Garcia, promptly acted on the request on the same day it was received. “I wish they had reached out sooner to avoid any confusion,” Garcia reflected. He emphasized, “BuCor is willing and transparent in matters like these.”
This emotional encounter wasn’t born out of the blue. Back in June, the families sought assistance from the Supreme Court to disclose Palparan’s whereabouts, seeking the truth in their tumultuous journey. BuCor had assured them that he was being held at the NBP, safely tucked away in the Minimum Security Compound. This decision aimed to address security concerns, as different political affiliations can lead to tensions among inmates in Maximum Security.
After the families met with Palparan, BuCor welcomed a team of special investigators from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to the NBP for their own inquiry into Palparan’s status. BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. reinforced their commitment: “The safety of everyone in our care is a priority, not just for Palparan but for all entrusted to us.”
Jovito Palparan, once dubbed the “Berdugo” or “butcher,” was convicted by a Bulacan court in 2006 for the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of Empeño and Cadapan. His conviction was upheld but met with challenges—most recently, the Court of Appeals confirmed it in June 2022. Since then, Palparan has escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the decision.
For the families of Karen and Sherlyn, this meeting signifies more than just an interaction with the man at the center of their pain. It embodies a step towards closure, a chance to confront their anguish, one lingering question at a time.
As this story unfolds, it highlights the resilience of families fighting for justice in the face of adversity. Their journey, marked by determination and courage, resonates deeply—a reminder that the quest for truth and healing often takes time but is well worth every effort.
