General faces probe for graft

MANILA, Philippines – Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano has ordered a senior military official in Mindanao investigated over allegations of corruption and fund misuse.

Yano has sent a team of investigators to look into allegations against Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto, Army 4th Infantry Division commander based in Cagayan de Oro City.

Barbieto was a classmate of Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. at the Philippine Military Academy, class of 1974.

 “When the information reached me, I directed intelligence units to verify and after the report was submitted, I directed our inspector general, Maj. Gen. Samuel Bagasin, to go there and conduct an investigation,” he said.

“We assure that there would be an impartial investigation on this matter. There would be no whitewash or cover-up because part of our intention of instituting reforms in the organization is to uphold transparency in transactions and the proper management of resources.”

Yano said Barbieto was asked to take a leave to give way to an impartial investigation.

“That could lead to the filing of charges, particularly Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman), because next would be a pre-trial investigation,” he said.

Investigators would also find out if there are lower-ranking officers who are involved in the alleged anomaly, Yano said.

Barbieto allegedly asked for money from recruits and enlisted personnel applying for reinstatement into the service.

Barbieto was also accused of misusing funds intended for militiamen belonging to the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Barbieto’s leave of absence took effect last Wednesday. 

He was replaced by his deputy, Brig. Gen. Roland Rodriguez.