AFP suspends Army General and other soldier upon Ombudsman's order over extortion allegations

By Ronron
March 5, 2008

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership suspended an Army General and another soldier upon the order of the Ombudsman over their alleged involvement in extortion activities in Mindanao.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said Wednesday that the suspension of Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto, erstwhile commander of the 4th Infantry Division, and Staff Sergeant Roseller Echepare became effective upon the AFP's receipt of the February 29, 2008 order of the Ombudsman.

Ombudsman information officer Anna Sanchez said the Ombudsman had ordered Barbieto and Echepare to be placed on a six-month preventive suspension without pay, citing Section 9 of the Rules of Procedure, as they undergo investigation.

The two are charged with Violation of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) for allegedly collecting money from Army applicants, ranging from P25,000 to P30,000, to guarantee enlistment without having to pass the standard procedures adopted by the AFP, said Sanchez.

The complaint was made by "several personnel of the 4th ID," which is based in Cagayan de Oro City in northern Mindanao.

"They (complainant) stated that the money collected from the said candidate soldiers are being given to Barbieto thru his bagman, Echepare," Sanchez said, quoting the five-page Order of the Ombudsman.

Aside from the extorting Army applicants, the complainants alleged that Barbieto and Echepare were also doing the same to enlisted personnel who wish to be reinstated.

And they are also allegedly behind some anomalies hounding the implementation of the AFP's Balik-Baril Program at the 4th ID.

Barbieto had initially taken a leave as 4th ID commander last February 20 "to give way to an impartial investigation" that was conducted also by the Army Inspector General.

Taking over him was his deputy, Brig. Gen. Roland Rodriguez.

"As a consequence of the suspension order of the Ombudsman, the Army subsequently recommends the relief of Maj. Gen. Barbieto as the commander of the 4th ID. This administration option is resorted to in order to allow a just, fair and independent disposition of the case filed against him," Torres said.

The relief order will come from the AFP Board of Generals, said Torres.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano assured that there will be no cover-up in the probe as he also assured the accused "of due process."

"We strictly impose laws that govern military discipline, ethics and conduct, regardless of rank or position. We will not condone malpractices and abuses if such cases are proven. Such soldiers will be dealt with accordingly," he said./DMS