DAYS AFTER POLICE operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a retired army general for calling for the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) relieved an army colonel for withdrawing his support for the commander-in-chief.
Army Colonel Audie Mongao, a commissioned officer with 34 years of active service, went to the social media reaffirming support for the AFP and the Constitution – but not for the President.
“He has lost his moral ascendancy to lead the Armed Forces as Commander in Chief and govern the Filipino people as President of the Republic,” Mongao declared. He concluded his message with the emphatic phrase, “Sobra na, tama na!” and the rallying cry, “The Filipino people are worth fighting for… Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”
According to Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala, he has already been relieved as Director of the Training Development Center where new soldiers are honed.
“By the direction of the Commanding General, PA, Col. Mongao was immediately relieved from post and put into A/U status to give way for a thorough investigation by Training Command,” Dema-ala said.
Interestingly, Dema-ala said that a probe team has been formed to check whether it was really Mongao himself who posted the alleged withdrawal of support.
According to Army Training Command chief Major Michael Logico, Mongao, who is on New Year’s break, has been “out of reach” since the social media post came out.
“Investigation is underway to determine possible administrative and legal charges that may be imposed upon him in relation to his online statement,” Logico said.
Despite this, he said that the Army is still trying to reach Mongao to offer “emotional support,” adding that Mongao remains his responsibility.