Army officer faces discharge   for misuse of Cafgu funds

An Army officer was recommended for discharge from the military service over the alleged misuse of funds intended for Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), a reliable source said yesterday.

The source identified the officer as Lt. Col. Ceferino Wilfredo Tanagan, who used to head a Cadre battalion.

The source said the recommendation for his discharge from the service was already submitted to the Department of National Defense (DND) and would later be forwarded to President Arroyo for her approval.

“The ESB (efficiency and separation board) recommendation his separation, and is now in the DND for the approval of the President,” the source said.

The source could not say, however, if Tanagan personally used the undetermined amount of money.

But Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres could not confirm the report, saying there is an ongoing investigation on several officers and enlisted personnel over the misuse of the money.

However, another source confirmed that Tanagan faced the Army’s efficiency and separation board over the said issue.

The source could not say if Tanagan, who is member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, was indeed recommended for discharge.

“What I know is that he faced the ESB over the issue on CAFGU funds,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

“Actually we have an ongoing investigation not only of officials but also enlisted personnel regarding the CAFGU issue. As of now we cannot release yet any names of those who were discharged and the punishments meted them. Torres said the Army inspector general and the judge advocate general are the ones conducting the investigation,” Torres said.

Torres added that the minimum punishment for Army personnel that are found guilty of such offense is discharge from the military service.