Sacked PMA comptroller to be detained in Bilibid

Sacked Philippine Military Academy (PMA) comptroller Hector Maraña, currently detained for allegedly misusing P15 million worth of cadets’ allowance, will be transferred from custody at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgardo Arevalo said on Wednesday that Maraña is currently under “intense custody” at a maximum security cell at Camp Aguinaldo.

“Pending the processes that we are doing [he will] be transferred to the New Bilibid Prison where he will be serving his imprisonment,” he told reporters.

On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Maraña’s dismissal order while he was delivering his speech in Malacañang.

Maraña served as a treasurer of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines’ tactics group from 2006 to 2012.

Arevalo said the dismissed officer left his PMA assignment without the turnover of financial and property accountabilities when he was asked to liquidate and turn over the funds to his successor.

Based on the investigation, P15.67 million was confirmed missing after the officer left the unit. It was also discovered that he lent the money to various individuals.

He was charged with violating Articles of War 95 (fraud against the government, 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer) and 97 (conduct of a nature that brings discredit upon the military service).

Maraña was arraigned on June 5,2014 and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

After the general court martial hearings, he was found guilty of charges last July 12, 2018, Arevalo said.

The military court has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the accused, the spokesperson added.

Aside from facing imprisonment for 6 to 10 years for his misdeeds, Maraña would also be separated from the service with his benefits forfeited.

He was also fined the amount of P15.67 million or equivalent to the amount he failed to return to PMA.   /vvp