Letter from the mothers of Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño

Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:48:06 +0200
Subject: [PhilConcerns] Letter from the mothers of Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño

August 26, 2014

Dear friends and fellow human rights defenders,

Greetings of peace!

We are heartened by your support in our journey for justice for our daughters, Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan, as well as for all victims of human rights abuses.

Your unwavering solidarity, the accompaniment of human rights organizations Karapatan and Desaparecidos, the very able assistance from our counsels in the National Union of People’s Lawyers, the vigilance of the Filipino people – all these contributed to the arrest of retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, Jr., notoriously known as the “Butcher.” This is the first time that a high-ranking military officer has ever been indicted, arrested and, hopefully, convicted criminally for violation of human rights in the Philippines.

Now that Gen. Palparan has been arraigned, the kidnapping and serious illegal detention case we filed will start hearing on September 1, 2014. While we rejoice for the arrest of the principal accused, we are apprehensive of how slow the wheels of justice grind in our country. We are experiencing in the case of Palparan’s men, who were earlier arrested. The case has been hearing at the Malolos Regional Trial Court for two years now.

Our case against Palparan and his men stands on solid grounds as we have six credible eyewitnesses – all of them were victims of abduction, torture, detention, and enforced disappearances by Palparan and his men. But we also expect that our journey for justice will last a long time, knowing the defects of the Philippine justice system and the prevalent impunity that exist even under the present administration.

In this regard, we appeal to your kind hearts for your continuing support by:

1) Writing letters urging Phil. President Benigno Aquino III for the immediate conviction of Gen. Palparan and his cohorts. You can send communications to:

H.E. Benigno C. Aquino III

President of the Republic

Malacañang Palace,

JP Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila Philippines

Voice: (+632) 564 1451 to 80

Fax: (+632) 742-1641 / 929-3968

E-mail: op@president.gov.ph

2)  Releasing public statements on August 30, International Day of the Disappeared, and during other relevant dates and whenever there are developments on the case.

3)  Supporting the legal, witness protection and campaign fund for the case. We need to continue to secure the witnesses, provide for the expenses during court hearings and other incidental expenses. Together with human rights organization Karapatan, we have been soliciting the support of kindhearted individuals and institutions for this endeavor. For details, please contactkarapatan@karapatan.org.

You can likewise use the attached timeline and briefer on the Cadapan-Empeño case for reference.

Once again, our deepest appreciation for your support and we hope to continue to work with you for just and lasting peace in our country.

Yours sincerely,

(sgd)CONCEPCION EMPEÑO

(sgd) ERLINDA CADAPAN