Officer wanted for stealing AFP funds

From Malaya (Apr 25): Officer wanted for stealing AFP funds

A QUEZON City court has ordered the arrest of a military officer charged with misappropriating some P1.4 million in funds from the Armed Forces’ “Balik-Baril program.”

Maj. Christopher Lee Patindol, who went AWOL (absent without official leave) after the irregularity was discovered two years ago, was former special disbursing officer at the office of AFP deputy chief of staff for Civil Military Operations Rear Adm. Jose Miguel Rodriguez.

He is facing three counts of malversation of public funds for allegedly falsifying Rodriguez’ signature in encashing three checks on July 4, 5 and 8, 2011.

The arrest warrant was issued Monday by Judge Maria Filomena Singh of the QC Regional Trial Court Branch 85.

Patindol, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1997, had been the subject of a search since August 2011.

Patindol was earlier reported to have incurred a P1.5-million debt with a military contractor, Sabrina David, from April to July 2011. The military discovered the case when David went to Rodriguez’ office in August 2011 to demand payment.

Rodriguez has quoted David as saying Patindol borrowed the money for the operating expenses of the office. Rodriguez has said he did not authorize Patindol to borrow money.

The complaint at the Quezon City court was filed by Lt. Cmdr. Arnold Marie Obra, then acting chief of the CMO administrative division.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/29575-officer-wanted-for-stealing-afp-funds