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Palparan was called to active duty in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1973. As a lieutenant, he served in Basilan and Sulu for eight years. Palparan's first combat duty was in the island of Siasi, Sulu with the 24th Infantry Battalion in January 1974 but his first encounter was in Indanan, Sulu when MNLF fighters attacked the 24th Inf. Bn. after the burning of Jolo, Sulu in February 1974 where he earned his first combat medal. He was almost dismissed from the service when he led 12 soldiers of 24IB known as Wildcats in the rescue of a fellow Wildcat who was attacked by Marine soldiers leading to one of the biggest mis-encounters among AFP units that took place in the Pier of Zamboanga City in August 1974. While pursuing Uzman Sali's Group that massacred B.Gen. Teodulfo Bautista, Palparan and his Delta Company, 24IB encountered the group of about 150 rebels in Mt Sinumaan, Patikul, Sulu on February 24, 1978. He lost 13 soldiers and many others were wounded in a day long encounter. The MNLF suffered 21 killed in action. 2nd.Lt. Palparan was awarded a Gold Cross Medal. He retired from his military career on September 11, 2006, on his 56th birthday.