Army reiterates political neutrality after officer relieved over alleged post

The Philippine Army on Friday reiterated its commitment to political neutrality and constitutional duty following the relief of a senior officer over an alleged social media statement withdrawing personal support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

Colonel Audie A. Mongao was officially removed from his post Thursday evening and placed under administrative and operational (A/U) status to allow for a thorough investigation by the Army’s Training Command, according to Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala.

Dema-ala said the Army had taken note of Mongao’s public remarks, which expressed his “personal political views.”

He stressed that while freedom of expression is guaranteed under the Constitution, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are bound to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, particularly in public discourse.

“The Philippine Army reiterates that it is a professional, non-partisan, and constitutionally bound institution,” Dema-ala said.

“As an integral component of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Army remains firmly committed to its mandate under the 1987 Constitution to protect the people and the State, uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and remain loyal to the chain of command and civilian authority,” he added.

Meanwhile, Major General Michael Logico, commander of the Army’s Training Command and Mongao’s immediate superior, confirmed in a Facebook post that the colonel was relieved following the circulation of an alleged online statement in which he appeared to withdraw support for the President.

The post went viral earlier this week.

“Investigation is underway to determine possible administrative and legal charges that may be imposed upon him in relation to his online statement,” Logico said.

He added that Mongao was on “New Year’s Break status” at the time and that efforts to reach him had so far been unsuccessful, although the command had an idea of his whereabouts and was monitoring his contacts.

Logico also said the Army was extending emotional support to Mongao, noting that “he is still my responsibility.”

The authenticity of Mongao’s alleged statement was confirmed by the Army, although questions remain over how and when it was made. A screenshot of the supposed message, shared publicly by retired Air Force General Romeo Poquiz, appeared to show it as a comment or group chat message rather than a standalone social media post.

The timestamp in the screenshot suggested it was made on Friday, a day after Mongao’s relief order was issued.

Poquiz was arrested earlier this week at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in connection with an incitement to sedition charge.

Dema-ala said the Army continues to recognize President Marcos as the duly constituted authority and Commander-in-Chief, and remains steadfast in carrying out lawful orders through the established chain of command.

“We assure the Filipino people that the Philippine Army remains united, disciplined, and focused on its mission of safeguarding peace, security, and democratic institutions, free from partisan politics,” Dema-ala said, calling on all personnel to be guided by the core values of honor, patriotism, and duty.

The incident comes amid persistent rumors of unrest within the military following revelations of alleged corruption linked to flood control projects, an issue highlighted by Marcos himself during his 2025 State of the Nation Address.

Subsequent investigations uncovered widespread misuse of public funds and conflicts of interest involving several public officials, including individuals allied with or close to the President.

Several Cabinet officials have since been replaced over alleged links to the controversy, which has also drawn accusations against members of the Marcos family.

Malacañang has denied that recent pay increases for uniformed personnel were connected to destabilization concerns.

Despite the political backdrop, the Army maintained that it remains firmly non-partisan and loyal to civilian authority, stressing that political disputes have no place within the ranks of the military.