MANILA, Philippines ? The whistleblower in the alleged misuse of funds for military exercises between Filipino and American troops in 2007 could risk forfeiture of her separation benefits unless she returns to military control, said a military official Sunday.

Navy Lieutenant Nancy Gadian will be recommended dropped from the roster of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) once the 90-day period provided for an absence without official leave or AWOL officer has lapsed, said Navy spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Edgard Arevalo.

"If she will be dropped from the rolls, this may translate to forfeiture of what could have been her separation benefits," Arevalo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) over the phone on Sunday.

The 90-day period began on April 22 when Gadian, who was called to active duty in 1996, failed to report back to work following 30-day leave approved by her superiors. On May 11, an apprehension order was issued against Gadian for desertion.

The 40-year-old Navy officer has accused retired lieutenant general Eugenio Cedo, the chief of the Western Mindanao Command during the 2007 Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) war games, and other military officers of pocketing a large chunk of the P46 million in funds allotted for the annual exercises.