Relieved colonel faces court-martial
‘Those are just speculations that we are trying to silence our personnel. We have standards as part of our military organization.’
Daily Tribune‘Those are just speculations that we are trying to silence our personnel. We have standards as part of our military organization.’
Relieved Philippine Army (PA) Col. Audie Mongao, who publicly withdrew his support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on social media, will face a general court-martial.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete confirmed Monday at Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, that preparations for Mongao’s court-martial were underway following the investigation into his controversial online statement.
“Right now, the investigation is finished. He is here for a general court-martial. We are preparing for it,” Nafarrete said.
Mongao was relieved from his post last month and placed under unassigned status after a screenshot of his social media post circulated online. In the post, he withdrew support for the President, saying: “That’s enough! The Filipino people are worth fighting for. Mabuhay!”
Nafarrete said the investigation phase has been completed and the case has moved to formal military judicial proceedings, although the composition of the court-martial panel is still being finalized.
“The panel is still being set, but the trial is coming soon,” he said.
The charge against Mongao falls under Article of War 63, which covers disrespect toward the President as Commander-in-Chief.
Nafarrete stressed the Army’s action followed strict standards of discipline, dismissing claims that Mongao was being silenced.
“Those are just speculations that we are trying to silence our personnel. We have standards as part of our military organization,” he said, assuring that the proceedings will fully follow due process.