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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Congressmeow' Kiko Barzaga set to be delisted from military reserve force – PH Army

'Congressmeow' Kiko Barzaga set to be delisted from military reserve force – PH Army

Published Sep 30, 2025 03:17 pm
Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga, more popularly known as "Congressmeow" Kiko Barzaga, poses for a snap while holding a dummy rifle during his Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) under the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) in this photo uploaded on social media on Nov. 16, 2024. (Courtesy of Kiko Barzaga / Facebook)
Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga, more popularly known as "Congressmeow" Kiko Barzaga, poses for a snap while holding a dummy rifle during his Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) under the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) in this photo uploaded on social media on Nov. 16, 2024. (Courtesy of Kiko Barzaga / Facebook)
Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco Barzaga, more popularly known as “Congressmeow Kiko Barzaga” online, has been recommended for delisting from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reserve force.
Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said Barzaga was recommended for delisting due to “grave offense of misconduct.”
“He is recommended for delisting after a thorough investigation. The recommendation is forwarded through the proper channel for final action,” Dema-ala said.
Barzaga, who gained online traction due to his eccentric behavior and proclivity for cats, was enlisted as a private on Jan. 10, 2025 by the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group (NCRRDG), a unit under the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM).
Photos shown by Barzaga on his social media in November 2024 revealed he had undergone the Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT), the entry-level training program conducted by the ARESCOM for individuals who want to become part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Force.
“His speeches and utterances on social media insinuating that the AFP, Philippine National Police, and reservists will join the protest on 21 September 2025, declaring the loss of trust in the President by the AFP and PNP, and the likes, constitute misconduct,” Dema-ala said.
“The decision is limited to Rep. Barzaga’s status within the Army’s reserve force and has no impact on his rights as a civilian or elected official,” he added.
According to Dema-ala, the delistment is grounded on General Headquarters Standard Operating Procedure (GHQ SOP) No. 07, issued on June 7, 2018.
The directive governs the enlistment, extension of enlistment, and delisting of AFP reserve force members. It serves as the central framework for maintaining discipline, qualifications, and standards within the reserve force.
Under SOP No. 07, a reservist may be delisted for a range of reasons, including misconduct, failure to comply with requirements, expiration or non-renewal of enlistment, and acts inconsistent with the values and mandate of the AFP.
The process requires investigation, documentation, and endorsement through the military chain of command before any final action is taken.
Barzaga has been a vocal critic of President Marcos Jr. and the entire administration when the alleged corruption in flood control projects came to light.
On social media, the Army monitored posts by Barzaga claiming that active and reserve officers of the military and the PNP have lost their trust in the Commander-in-Chief.
The Army clarified that active reservists are prohibited from participating in protests while carrying their status as members of the AFP.
Reservists are not allowed to join demonstrations if they are in uniform, use the name of the AFP or their unit, represent the AFP in any capacity, or if the protest involves political activity or calls against the government.
The legal basis for this prohibition is Republic Act 7077, or the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, along with AFP regulations and its Code of Ethics. These provisions mandate that reservists, like regular troops, must remain apolitical and uphold the AFP’s constitutional mandate of neutrality in political affairs.
The Army stressed that violators of these rules may face administrative and legal sanctions.
“Again, we remind all active-duty personnel as well as reservists to uphold military professionalism and non-partisanship, as enshrined in the AFP Code of Ethics, ensuring that all actions do not compromise our noble profession of arms,” Dema-ala said.

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