The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it is too early to discuss possible charges against Colonel Audie Mongao, who has been reported to have withdrawn his personal support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
At a press briefing, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that the investigation into Mongao’s case is still ongoing.
“With the case of Colonel Audie Mongao, it is currently under investigation. The inquiry is ongoing as of this time, and because of that, it is premature to state any specific charges that will be filed as of now,” Padilla said.
“But definitely, the investigation will ensue, and we are assuring the public that due process will be accorded to the party. The AFP will conduct this in relation to existing rules and policies that are in place.”
Padilla also addressed concerns about possible divisions within the AFP, reassuring the public that the military remains united.
“Our troops, all of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are intact. We remain professional and we remain united,” she said. She added that monitoring of the situation is ongoing. “Our commanders are very well-versed in the situation on the ground, and that is the trust that our Chief of Staff has in our ground commanders. So, there is no need for any loyalty checks,” Padilla further stressed.
Padilla emphasized that while every soldier is entitled to their own opinions, taking an oath to the AFP requires strict adherence to its rules and regulations.”
“Each soldier down to the lowest rank knows about this, and we abide with the rules and regulations set forth by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” she said.
Earlier, a statement circulated on social media in which Mongao reportedly withdrew his support from President Marcos.
Following this, the Philippine Army confirmed that Mongao was relieved from his post as commander of the Training Support Group under the Training Command.
Major General Michael Logico, commander of the Training Command, said Mongao has since voluntarily submitted himself back to military control and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Meanwhile, Mongao received backing from the United People’s Initiative, a group calling for President Marcos’ resignation. In a statement, the group said,
“His words were not rebellion. They were fidelity to the Constitution. In reaffirming his loyalty to the AFP and the State—while withdrawing personal support from President Marcos Jr.—Colonel Mongao reminded the nation of a truth too many fear to say: moral ascendancy matters; leadership is not inherited—it is earned daily; the Armed Forces serve the people, not personalities.”