Navy official suspended

A top Navy official was suspended for six months without pay yesterday by Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo for failing to account for P153 million which he had realigned between 1990 and 1992.

In a statement, Marcelo said there is strong evidence of charges of grave misconduct against Rear Adm. Gilmer Batestil, and that his continued stay in office may prejudice the just, fair and independent disposition of the case.

Marcelo has ordered Navy chief Adm. Ernesto de Leon to implement the suspension of Batestil to prevent him from harassing witnesses and tampering with records.

Marcelo said the administrative sanction must not exceed six months.

Records at the Office of the Ombudsman show that Batestil allowed the realignment of funds amounting to more than P153 million in 1990, 1991 and 1992.

Investigators also discovered that Batestil had authorized questionable purchases of supplies, materials and equipment totaling more than P108 million without any public bidding, used altered documents, and failed to account for purchases. — Delon Porcalla