The disappearance
On June 26, 2006, armed men abducted Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño from a house in Barangay San Miguel, Hagonoy, Bulacan. Their disappearance became one of the Philippines’ most prominent cases involving allegations of enforced disappearance.
Evidence and related proceedings
Litigation over disappearances and the writ of amparo produced a broader judicial record about alleged secret detention during the period. Supreme Court proceedings involving escaped detainee Raymond Manalo documented testimony and military responses that also referred to Cadapan, Empeño and Manuel Merino.
The 2018 convictions
On September 17, 2018, the Malolos Regional Trial Court convicted retired Major General Jovito Palparan, Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Anotado Jr. and Staff Sergeant Edgardo Osorio of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the women’s disappearance. They were sentenced to reclusion perpetua. Another accused, Rizal Hilario, remained at large at the time of judgment.
Appeal and later status
The Court of Appeals affirmed Palparan’s conviction in 2022. In June 2026, the Philippine News Agency reported that the Bureau of Corrections confirmed Palparan remained incarcerated at New Bilibid Prison while serving his sentence.
What remains unanswered
Despite the convictions, Cadapan and Empeño have not been found. The criminal judgments established responsibility for their kidnapping and illegal detention, but they did not establish a final answer about the women’s whereabouts or ultimate fate.
Sources
Philippine News Agency — September 17, 2018 conviction report
GMA News — Court of Appeals affirmation, 2022
Philippine News Agency — June 15, 2026 detention status
Supreme Court E-Library — G.R. No. 180906