Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Relieved Army colonel yields after withdrawing support from Marcos
Philippines
National
Relieved Army colonel yields after withdrawing support from Marcos
Relieved Army colonel yields after withdrawing support from Marcos
Published Jan 10, 2026 04:38 pm
Colonel Audie Mongao (Photo: Philippine Army)
Colonel Audie A. Mongao, who was relieved by the Philippine Army (PA) for allegedly withdrawing his support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., surrendered to the military on Friday night, Jan 9.
The surrender was confirmed by Mongao’s immediate superior, Maj. Gen. Michael G. Logico, commander of the Army’s Training Command (Tracom).
According to Logico, Mongao “voluntarily submitted himself back to military control” around 7:30 p.m.
“We had a long talk, and he is fully cooperating with our investigation,” Logico said.
Details of the discussion have not been disclosed by Logico although he initially mentioned that the Army would reach out to Mongao after his viral post since “he is still my responsibility.”
Mongao was relieved by no less than Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete from his post as the commander of the Training Support Group under the PA’s Tracom on Friday after he allegedly posted on his social media his withdrawal of support from Marcos, the military’s Commander-in-Chief.
The Army said that Mongao may face administrative charges and court martial for violation of Articles of War, Article 96 or Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman, which carries a penalty of dismissal from service upon conviction.
Mongao has been in the uniformed service for 34 years.
“Other possible violations will still depend on the result of the investigation,” PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said.
Holding grudges?
It remains a mystery why Mongao posted his withdrawal of support from Marcos on social media but Logico suspected it may have something to do with his career advancement.
Apparently, Logico said Mongao, considered a senior officer in the Army, has been passed over for career advancement twice already and this reality could have weighed heavily on him.
“He has been passed over for promotion. I have worked with him for a very long time and I will attest to his dedication to his work. In many cases like this, there is always a sense of frustration,” Logico said in an interview with One News.
He said the demands of military service can take a toll even on the most dedicated officer but professionalism is what keeps them moving forward.
“This is not an easy profession. Some of our jobs require a lot of hard work, and sometimes our efforts feel under-rewarded. Professionalism is what keeps us going,” he noted.
Asked why Mongao was passed over, Logico said it was a common reality in large organizations.
“A lot of people are passed over. We are all judged according to our merits, accomplishments, and capacity to handle stress and perform professionally,” he explained.
“Many people are passed over but continue to perform their duties as professionals. We have to understand that not everybody reacts the same way,” he concluded.