Army General's Court Martial reset
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - The General Court Martial of Maj Gen Jose
Barbieto proceeded as scheduled today but the defense lawyers asked for
a pre-trial meeting that was set on September 19. This will be followed
by the preliminary conference, and then trial which will resume on
October 3, 10, 17, and 24.
It can be recalled that MGEN Barbieto challenged the legality of the
Court Martial filed before the Court of Appeals. MGen Barbieto during
the July 17 arraignment pleaded 'not guilty'. Maj Gen Daniel Casabar and
Brig Gen Romulo Supapo who were challenged peremptorily were replaced by
Maj Gen Johnny Corcha and Brig Gen Antonio Supnet respectively.
MGen Barbieto is being investigated for possible violations of Article
of War 55 (Officer Making Unlawful Enlistment), Article of War 96
(Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman), and Article of War 97
(Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline) along with
his co-accused SSg Roseller Echipare.
MGen Barbieto was previously relieved as the commander of the Army's 4th
Infantry Division on March 6, 2008, following an order from the
Ombudsman to suspend him. He was then arrested and confined to the
quarters effective March 18, 2008 to give way to a just and impartial
pre-trial investigation.
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