MANILA (2nd UPDATE) —Retired Army Major Gen. Jovito Palparan was transferred to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday night, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said.

Guevarra said Palparan was turned over to the national penitentiary at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, or 16 days since being convicted for the kidnapping and illegal detention of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in 2006.

He was previously detained at Philippine Army Custodial Center at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Palparan's transfer came after the Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 15 denied his plea to block his commitment order to the Bilibid.

Bureau of Corrections Director Ronald Dela Rosa earlier said Palparan will stay at NBP Reception and Diagnostic Center for 60 days to undergo the usual procedure before being transferred to the maximum security compound.

Tagged as "the Butcher" by activists, Palparan was accused of being behind killings and various human rights abuses during the administration of former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo.

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Other convicted officers retired Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and retired S/Sgt Eduardo Osorio were also transferred to the state prison.

The three were sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay the families of the victims about P300,000 in civil indemnity.

They were personally turned over by Major Amer Minanga, jail warden of Philippine Army Custodial Center, to the NBP Reception and Diagnostic Center and were received by Supt. Ma Elena Chua and Supt. Gerry Salamat.

-- report from Dexter Ganibe, ABS-CBN News