DAVAO CITY (August 16) — Lieutenant Colonel Hector Maraña, the recently sacked comptroller of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), used the P15-million money he took from the cadets allowances for his money lending business.
This was uncovered during the investigation undertaken by the Provost Marshall of the PMA.
Colonel Edgard Arevalo, spokesperson of the AFP told reporters “Upon investigation by the Command Provost Marshall of the Philippine Military Academy, it was confirmed there was indeed missing amount from the CCAFP fund of PHP15,067,142.69. It was also uncovered that he lent it to different private individuals.”
According to Arevalo, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stands firm as an institution to cleanse their ranks of misfits and those found violating the law.
Maraña will be subjected to court martial, after he was found guilty of violating three Articles of War stemming from malversation of public funds.
The act of punishing Maraña shows the desire of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to curb misfits from its ranks, Arevalo emphasized.
Maraña was designated as the treasurer of the Cadet Corps of the AFP from 2006 to 2012. But, when an internal audit was conducted, it was found out that he malversed the fund.
Arevalo said the dismissal of Maraña signifies the AFP’s sincere desire to cleanse the organization of corrupt and misfits.
Arevalo also revealed, Maraña has been placed under maximum security at Camp Aguinaldo since his case was heard.
Court martial
President Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday publicly fired and signed the dismissal of Maraña from service.
He also ordered the AFP that Maraña be subjected to court martial proceedings.
Maraña, according to Duterte was found violating the following articles of war:
1. Articles of War specifically Article of War 95 (Fraud versus the Government),
2. Article of War 96 (Conduct unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman) and;
3. Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline).
Penalties
He was found guilty and sentenced to “six years and one day to 10 years imprisonment”, Arevalo said.
Maraña was separated from the military service, all his benefits will be forfeited, accruing or accrued, will be all forfeited and finally he will be fined with the amount of PHP15,067,142.69 amount he was charged of malversing,” Arevale said.
The dismissal of Maraña came a day after Duterte ordered the dismissal and start of court martial proceedings against at least 20 top officials of a military hospital over anomalous transactions.
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In signing Maraña’s dismissal, Duterte quipped “Send the guy to hell. That’s an order.” –Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph
