Philippine Army Colonel Relieved Over Marcos Criticism

A Philippine Army colonel was relieved from his command position and placed under investigation after publicly announcing his withdrawal of personal support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on social media, officials confirmed this week.

Colonel Audie A. Mongao, a 34-year veteran and 1992 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, made the statement around January 7, amid speculation it stemmed from frustrations over being passed over for promotion twice. In the post, which circulated widely online, Mongao wrote that Marcos had lost his moral ascendancy to lead the armed forces and the nation, adding, "Sobra na, tama na! It's too much, enough! The Filipino people is worth fighting for. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!" He clarified that he reaffirmed his loyalty to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the state as required by the Constitution.

Mongao, who commanded the Training Support Group under the Army's Training Command in Camp O'Donnell, Tarlac, was on New Year's leave when the post surfaced. He voluntarily returned to military custody on January 9, reporting to his superior, Major General Michael Logico, commander of the Training Command. Logico confirmed the surrender,...