THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) suspected that fugitive retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan has changed his physical appearance to avoid arrest by government forces hunting him for his involvement in the alleged kidnapping of two students of the University of the Philippines on 2006.

This was according to CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao who also admitted that they are really having hard time arresting the retired military officer.

Pagdilao said they already raided more than 10 places including Mindoro, Nueva Ecija, Mindanao and Visayas where Palparan was reportedly sighted but it turned out to be negative.

The CIDG chief said they are doing their best to arrest Palparan to bring him to justice.

Pagdilao also appealed to Palparan to come out and face the charges filed against him.

Record showed that Palparan is a former commander of Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID) and was said to be behind the kidnapping and illegal detention of two UP students identified as Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan last June 26, 2006.

Palparan’s  co-accused Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado Jr. and Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio had already surrendered to authorities while Master Sgt. Rizal Hilario is also subject to manhunt operation.

On the information that there were government officials helping Palparan in hiding, Pagdilao said they don’t have enough evidence to pinpoint who they are.