Yano vows no whitewash in probe vs senior military man

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano vowed there will be no whitewash in the corruption investigation against an Army division commander as the probe is about to wind up.

Yano, who was here on a stopover visit, said the army division chief including other personalities who may be implicated if proven guilty will “face the music.”

Yano was referring to the investigation on the alleged corruption and malpractices against 4th Army ‘Diamond’ Division chief Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto, based in Cagayan de Oro City, following a complaint from his subordinate.

The complaint stemmed from alleged misappropriation of funds intended for the payment of guns for rebels who would surrender, allowances for the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), and allegations of collection of fees from candidate-soldiers who want to enlist into the Army service.

Barbieto took a leave of absence to pave the way for the investigation.

“The investigation is ongoing and about to wind up. And we assure you there will be no coverup, no whitewash and whatever will be the result will have to be implemented. And if he is proven guilty including other personalities who maybe implicated then they have to face the music,” Yano said.

Yano said the action is to show that reforms in the military service, particularly in the Philippine Army, is ongoing and not just a lip service.