MANILA, Philippines — A senior military officer who had reportedly “withdrawn” his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been removed from his post and is under investigation, according to his immediate commander. 

In a post on Facebook, Major General Michael Logico, commander of the Army’s Training Command, said Colonel Audie Mongao was officially relieved of his post Thursday evening, January 8, after a supposed post of his — in which he purportedly withdrew his “personnal” support from Marcos — went viral. 

“Investigation is underway to determine possible administrative and legal charges that may be imposed upon him in relation to his online statement. Nonetheless we are still reaching out to Col. Mongao so that we may extend to him emotional support. He is still my responsibility,” Logico said in a post on Friday, January 9.

Logico said in his post that Mongao was on “New Year’s Break status.” He added, “My Command has exerted all efforts to reach out to him but has so far been unsuccessful.”

Asked if Mongao has since been located, Logico said in a message, “We have an idea where he is but we are observing his actions, [like] who he is in contact with.” 

In a separate statement, Army Spokesperson Louie Dema-ala confirmed the authenticity of Mongao’s apparent social media post, saying they had taken “note” of his statement “expressing his personal political views.” 

“While the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, all personnel of the Armed Forces are reminded of their duty to observe the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for the non partisan nature of the military service, especially in public discourse,” Dema-ala said. 

He added, “The Philippine Army continues to recognize the President of the Republic of the Philippines as the duly constituted authority and the Commander-in-Chief, and it remains steadfast in carrying out lawful orders through the established chain of command.”

“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,” said the Army spokesperson. 

Mongao’s alleged post was shared by retired air force general Romeo Poquiz who, just days ago, was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in relation to an inciting to sedition charge filed against him by the police. 

A screenshot of Mongao’s purported post shared by Poquiz does not seem to be from a stand alone post on social media, but a comment on social media or a message to a group chat. The screenshot from Poquiz indicated that Mongao’s supposed statement was made on Friday — even though Logico’s orders for Mongao to be relieved were issued Thursday evening.

The military has been plagued by talk of unrest or the withdrawal of support for Marcos within ranks, in light of a massive flood control corruption mess that the President himself inadvertently started during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

Since promising to chase after politicians and contractors who had benefited from substandard and non-existent projects, investigations by journalists and Congress uncovered widespread misuse of public funds, or repeated instances of conflicts of interest in public officials, including those allied to or close to Marcos himself. 

Malacañang has not been spared of the controversy.

Several of Marcos’ appointees, including Cabinet officials, have been replaced over alleged ties to the flood control controversy. 

Marcos himself and his closest relatives in government — cousin former House speaker Martin Romualdez and presidential son House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III — have also been accused of either directly benefitting from flood control project corruption or of getting the most from “allocable” funds in the public works department. 

Before the year’s end, Marcos announced an increase in base pay for uniformed personnel — not just the military, but even civilian agencies such as the police and coast guard. The Palace said this had nothing to do with destabilization talks.


Marcos faces his most difficult year yet

Just days before Mongao’s apparent withdrawal of “personal” support, Marcos told a room full of newly-promoted military officials in Malacañang that their new ranks “reflects the Republic’s confidence in your judgment, in your command, and your ability to lead amidst pressure and uncertainty.” Logico was among those who attended the ceremony.

“Your higher rank demands sharper judgment and steadier leadership, especially in an era of complex threats, rising geopolitical tensions, and heightened security of — security concerns for our country. Leadership at this level is less about the number of operation that you may have completed, it is also about the standards that you set — standards that shape behavior, conduct, and decision-making across the entire Armed Forces,” Marcos told military officials on January 7. – Rappler.com