Army general pleads not guilty to corruption raps

MANILA, Philippines – The Army reported yesterday that relieved Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto and his subordinate have pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the anomalous re-enlistment of soldiers in Northern Mindanao.

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Army spokesman, said Barbieto, former commander of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, and Staff Sgt. Roseller Echipare pleaded not guilty to charges of violating Articles of War 55 (officer making unlawful enlistment), 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) and 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline).

The cases filed against the suspects stemmed from the alleged anomalous recruitment of candidate soldiers and the unlawful reinstatement of discharged soldiers in the 4th ID.

During the court-martial proceedings held at the Army General Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Makati, Barbieto and Echipare also made a peremptory challenged and asked court-martial president Maj. Gen. Daniel Casabar and panel member Brig. Gen. Romulo Supapo to inhibit themselves.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado would now look for their replacements. The next hearing is scheduled on Aug. 8.

The Office of the Ombudsman had earlier ordered the suspension of Barbieto after he was relieved as 4th ID chief effective March 6 to give way to a just and impartial investigation.

Barbieto and Echipare are now confined and restricted to quarters at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, under the custody of camp commander Brig. Gen. Ricardo Morales.