The Philippine military has removed the head of its logistics division from his post pending an investigation into alleged irregular petrol purchases.

The allegations against Commodore Teddy Pan, the deputy chief of staff for logistics, are the latest in a string of corruption cases in one of Asia’s most underfunded and ill-equipped militaries. Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said on Thursday Pan was relieved to ensure an impartial inquiry.

Pan’s office allegedly bought P400 million ($9.2 million) worth of petrol and lubricants for military units for the first three months of the year.

The authorized amount was P150 million ($3.5 million) for that period.

(AP)