Esperon approves court-martial of general linked to corruption

MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. has approved the court-martial of a Philippine Military Academy classmate linked to the anomalous enlistment of soldiers in Mindanao.

The Army Judge Advocate General’s Office has recommended that Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto, former Army 4th Infantry Division commander, and S/Sgt. Roseller Echipare be charged with violations of the Articles of War 55 (officer making unlawful enlistment) and 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline).

Only Barbieto will be charged with violation of Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).

Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, Armed Forces public information chief, said Esperon has ordered the Army to proceed with the creation of a military tribunal to try Barbieto and Echipare.

“The Philippine Army has transmitted its recommendation to the GHQ (general headquarters), and the chief of staff has approved, based on the study made by the judge advocate general of the AFP, referring back the case to the Philippine Army, meaning that Philippine Army will initiate the conduct of general court-martial against General Barbieto,” he said.

Bacarro said the Army will set up a military tribunal because the cases could not be accommodated by the present courts trying officers linked to past power grab attempts.

“We are all aware that right now our GCM’s at the general headquarters, we have the group of the Miranda case, the Magdalo cases and the others, so that’s why the chief of staff has initially approved the conduct of a general court-martial against General Barbieto but this will be conducted by the Philippine Army GCM,” he said.       – James Mananghaya