Colonel Audie A. Mongao, a 34-year veteran of the Philippine Army, is cooperating with an ongoing military investigation after publicly announcing his withdrawal of support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., military officials said.
The senior officer also underwent a medical checkup as part of the process.
“He is cooperating with us. We are currently conducting a medical check-up,” Maj. Gen. Michael G. Logico, commander of the Army’s Training Command, told DAILY TRIBUNE in a Viber message.
Logico said Mongao formally surrendered to military authorities on Friday night, 9 January, at around 7:30 p.m., noting that the colonel “voluntarily submitted himself back to military control.”
“We had a long talk, and he is fully cooperating with our investigation,” Logico added, declining to disclose details of their discussion.
Mongao’s public statement withdrawing support from the Commander-in-Chief marks a rare and sensitive episode for the Philippine military, which traditionally upholds strict political neutrality and loyalty to civilian authority.
Earlier on Friday, Mongao was relieved of his post as commander of the Training Support Group under the Training Command after he allegedly made the declaration on social media. Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete ordered his relief, citing possible violations of military regulations.
The Army said Mongao may face administrative charges or a court-martial for violating the Articles of War, particularly Article 96 on “Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman,” which carries the penalty of dismissal from service if convicted.
While the motive behind Mongao’s social media post remains unclear, Logico earlier suggested that frustration over career setbacks may have contributed to the incident.
Mongao, a senior officer, had reportedly been passed over for promotion twice.
“In many cases like this, there is always a sense of frustration,” Logico said in an earlier television interview.
“Some of our jobs require a lot of hard work, and sometimes our efforts feel under-rewarded. Professionalism is what keeps us going.”
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the investigation is continuing and that additional violations may still surface.
“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 stressed.