MELAD (PIA PHOTO)
Former district commander of the Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas (PCG 7) is among the 25 high-ranking officers ordered suspended by the Ombudsman.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has directed Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to implement the 6-month preventive suspension order against 25 high-ranking officers of the PCG including former District Commander of Coast Guard District Central Visayas (PCG 7) Rear Admiral William Melad.
The order was posted at the Ombudsman website on Tuesday.
In the order, Carpio said that the officers were found liable for their involvement in the anomalous utilization of funds totaling P67.5 million.
Other officials ordered suspended are Vice-Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, Rear Admiral Cecil Chen, Commodores Enrico Efren Evangelista, Jr. and Aaron Reconquista; Commanders John Esplana, William Arquero, Jude Thaddeus Besinga, Roben De Guzman, Angel Lobaton IV, Ferdinand Panganiban, Joselito Quintas, Ivan Roldan, Rommel Supangan, George Ursabia, Jr., Ferdinand Velasco, Wilfred Burgos and Allen Dalangin; Captains Joeven Fabul, Angelito Gil, Ramon Lopez, Christopher Villacorte, Lt. Junior Grade Mark Franklin Lim II, Lt. Mark Larsen Mariano and Accounting Head Rogelio Caguioa.
They are facing charges of Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonest and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service for the irregularities in cash advances totaling P67,533,289.73 which were used to purchase office supplies and information technology equipment without complying with procurement regulations.