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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP, PAF clarify Romero's exit as military reservist: Resignation filed, 'retirement' still subject to rules

AFP, PAF clarify Romero's exit as military reservist: Resignation filed, 'retirement' still subject to rules

Published Aug 21, 2026 12:24 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Air Force said Michael "Mikee" Romero remains a reservist as his resignation request undergoes the required process and awaits approval by the proper authority.
  • Romero was relieved as Wing Commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve Northern Luzon while the Armed Forces of the Philippines and PAF review his military records, including questions over his medals and decorations.
  • Although Romero announced his retirement effective Aug. 19, the AFP said his request remains subject to existing rules. Under the reserve regulations, submitting a resignation does not by itself complete a reservist's separation from the AFP.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete (left), Philippine Air Force (PAF) Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael Odylon “Mikee” Romero (Contributed photo)
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete (left), Philippine Air Force (PAF) Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael Odylon “Mikee” Romero (Contributed photo)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday, Aug. 21, clarified that former lawmaker Michael “Mikee” Romero’s departure from the Reserve Force remains subject to institutional processes amid issues surrounding alleged “stolen valor.”
Air Force spokesperson Colonel Ma. Christina Basco said Romero has been relieved from his post as Wing Commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve Northern Luzon even before he submitted a letter of relinquishment of duties and retirement to AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete effective Aug. 19.
“His request does not constitute an approved resignation, and he remains a reservist pending completion of the process and approval by the proper authority,” Basco explained.
She added that relief from post is a standard protocol “to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.”
The AFP, in a separate statement, said Romero’s request “shall be processed for proper disposition in accordance with existing rules and regulations.”
It added that policies on recruitment, promotion, and conferment of awards for reservists are under review to ensure alignment with institutional standards.
“The AFP continues to recognize the vital role of reservists as citizen-soldiers whose spirit of volunteerism is a core value of the Reserve Force,” the statement read.
Viral photo
The review was triggered by scrutiny surrounding Romero’s military records and the awards, decorations, and distinctions attributed to him.
A photo of Romero with Nafarrete went viral during the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) confirmation hearing last Aug. 13 after netizens noticed the former representative of the 1-Pacman Partylist was wearing his reservist uniform adorned supposedly with more medals than those on the uniform of the military chief.
Particular attention was drawn to a Gold Cross and several Military Merit Medals with spearhead devices, which are associated with acts of gallantry in combat.
However, Romero denied having been conferred with a Gold Cross Medal.
What the law says
Under Republic Act No. 7077, or the Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act of 1991, the Reserve Force includes the Ready Reserve, Standby Reserve, and Retired Reserve reservists.
The law provides a system under which reservists may eventually move into the Retired Reserve status. This does not mean, however, that a reservist can simply declare himself retired and immediately end his military status.
Retirement from the regular AFP is also different from reserve status as retirement provisions covering regular military personnel involve requirements tied to age and satisfactory active-duty service. The law governing reserve officers also recognizes resignation as a means of leaving the service.
Executive Order No. 138, issued in 1968, also states that the resignation of reserve officers in whatever duty status shall be forwarded through military channels to the Chief of Staff of the AFP.
This means a reserve officer may submit a resignation but the submission itself does not necessarily complete the separation process, the AFP explained.
Romero, in his letter to Nafarrete, expressed gratitude to the AFP leadership and his fellow reservists.
“It has been a profound privilege and honor to serve our country alongside the dedicated men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust, friendship, camaraderie and opportunities afforded to me through my service,” he added.

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AFP PAF Mikee Romero reservist
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