Graft charges filed vs Army general

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman filed malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan yesterday against an Army general for his alleged failure to account for some P3 million in “Balik Baril” funds sometime in 2007.

Separate graft charges were also filed against Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto, former commanding general of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, for allegedly receiving money in exchange for the enlistment of soldier applicants into the military.

In a four-page information, the Ombudsman said Barbieto allegedly failed to account for P3 million of the P6 million allotted for the “Balik Baril” program in the third and fourth quarters of 2007.

The Ombudsman said Barbieto apparently used the money “for his own personal use and benefit” to the prejudice of the Armed Forces and the government.

In a separate graft complaint, Barbieto, in alleged conspiracy with S/Sgt. Roseller Echepare, was accused of receiving P25,000 from one S/Sgt. Allan Joel Timbal in exchange for the enlistment of the latter’s brother-in-law into the Army. 

Barbieto also allegedly received the same amount from Pvt. Butch Ramos in exchange for his enlistment into the Army.