Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3)— Protocols were “not properly observed” when authorities allowed detained retired Major General Jovito Palparan Jr. to be interviewed by a television network, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday.
“[T]he relevant rules under the manual of operations of the BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) were not properly observed,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a message to reporters.
Guevarra pointed out the policies for media access for persons deprived of liberty, which include authorization from the DOJ secretary as well as observance of reasonable conditions, “such as no discussion of any pending cases before the media.”
In March, Palparan — who has been detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City — appeared on the SMNI News channel wearing the signature orange uniform for inmates.
The retired general was asked details of the case that put him behind bars. He was found guilty for the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of two students of the University of the Philippines in 2006.
Meanwhile, Guevarra also confirmed he has issued a show cause memo to BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag regarding the matter, giving him 10 days upon receipt to respond.
“Sanctions will depend on whether or not the explanation is satisfactory,” he noted.
