ARMM agri director charged over undeclared land

State prosecutors have formally charged a former director of the Department of Agriculture’s Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao office for allegedly failing to disclose ownership of a sprawling property.

Former DA-ARMM finance director Basher Sarip Noor faces three counts of perjury at the Sandiganbayan for allegedly making false statements in his sworn Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth for the years 2003, 2006, and 2011.

Noor was accused of failing to disclose ownership of a 72,093-square meter property in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon described as Lot 4, (LRC) Psd-214142 and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-88286.

Assistant Special Prosecutor III Jorge Espinal of the Office of the Ombudsman said Noor asserted a falsehood by only declaring ownership of two real properties in Marawi City acquired in 1991 and one purchased in Cagayan de Oro City in 2003.

Noor was also charged with seven counts of violating Section 8 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees for failing to file his SALNs for the years 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012.

The prosecutor recommended that bail be set at P88,000 for the 10 criminal charges.