Marcos monitoring Army colonel’s removal – Palace

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January 11, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is closely monitoring developments surrounding the relief of an Army colonel who allegedly withdrew his support for the administration, Malacañang said.

Col. Audie Mongao, chief of the Training Support Group, was removed from his post following a social media post in which he reportedly withdrew his personal support for President Marcos, whose administration is facing allegations of large-scale corruption.

Mongao was quoted as saying that the President had “lost his moral ascendancy” to lead and that Filipinos “are worth fighting for.”

Stressing the need to adhere to due process, the Philippine Army has launched an investigation to determine possible administrative and legal charges against Mongao.

“The President is listening and watching closely,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in Filipino in a text message Friday night.

“Whoever should be held accountable, evidence should be used. Due process should be followed and whatever is stated in the law should be implemented,” she added.

Hours after the controversial post circulated online, Mongao voluntarily turned himself in Friday night to his immediate superior, according to the Philippine Army.

Training Command commander Maj. Gen. Michael Logico said Mongao is “fully cooperating” with authorities and has admitted authoring the social media post.

Logico said Mongao, who claimed he had not slept for three days, was advised to rest and will undergo a mandatory medical check-up as the investigation continues.

He also described Mongao’s action as a serious breach of military discipline but noted that his voluntary submission to military authorities would be considered as investigators seek to determine possible sanctions.

Rumors of alleged efforts to destabilize the government have circulated following the exposure of corruption schemes involving problematic and ghost flood control projects, which allegedly allowed some officials and contractors to pocket large kickbacks.

To reassure the public, the military has repeatedly said its personnel remain loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command. — Michael Punongbayan