Army general takes leave as he faces probe for alleged extortion

By Ronron
February 22, 2008

The commanding general of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division, which covers northern Mindanao in its area of responsibility, took a leave of absence starting last Wednesday as he undergoes investigation for alleged extortion and fund mismanagement.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said "Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto … is taking a leave in order to give way to an impartial investigation on certain allegations against him."

Replacing him is his deputy, Brig. Gen. Roland Rodriguez, who was designated as General Officer-in-Charge of the 4th ID, which is based in Cagayan de Oro City.

Torres said Barbieto is being probed for alleged "extortion of candidate soldier applicants and those applying for reinstatement, CAFGU fund mismanagement, and conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman."

His taking a leave, said Torres, will give Barbieto "a chance to clear his name on purported mismanagement of personnel and resources."

Torres said "investigation of officers at this level may not be ordinary but it is definitely within the military justice system."

"This is unprecedented. The reforms we are saying are not just lip service. Regardless of rank or position, we will not condone malpractice and abuses," Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, for his part, said.

Yano said Barbieto, who is a classmate of Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., is the second highest-ranking military official, next to Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, who is accused of corruption.

The investigation is being conducted by the Philippine Army Inspector General, Maj. Gen. Samuel Narcise, who personally went to Cagayan de Oro City for said purpose, Yano said.

"I look at this as a very serious allegation," Yano said.

Asked if other officers and personnel from the 4th ID will also be investigated, Yano said it will depend on the results of the initial investigation of Narcise.

"It is expected that this course of action would result to either penalizing those who have transgressed existing military laws, or clear the names of military personnel incriminated in the alleged offenses," Torres said.

Yano said he has not given a timeline for Narcise to complete his investigation "but it should be fast and quick."

Torres said Yano personally went also to the 4th ID headquarters last Wednesday, and to the 52nd Engineer Brigade headquarters in Camp Natividad, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon "to consolidate his forces affected by the reports."

Torres said Yano "urged his officers and men to stay focused on their mission as proper actions are being done by the authorities."

"He also took the opportunity to rally the Army troops to stay united and focused on their jobs amid the political noise in the NCR (National Capital Region). He encouraged the troops to be politically aware of the issues, have opinions, but keep these to themselves," Torres said.

The Army chief told the troops to "leave the organization" if "they find the organization lines and policies untenable, said Torres./DMS