Camille Naredo

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. troops the line with Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. during 126th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary celebration at the Philippines Army headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 22, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. troops the line with Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. during 126th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary celebration at the Philippines Army headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 22, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Philippine Army

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176828839970320230322-marcos-ph-army-126th-anniversary-JC0833 (1).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. troops the line with Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. during 126th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary celebration at the Philippines Army headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 22, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. troops the line with Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. during 126th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary celebration at the Philippines Army headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 22, 2023. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday stressed that there is no need for a loyalty check within its ranks.</p><p>The AFP emphasized that the military remains united and professional, even as it investigates the case of Colonel Audie Mongao, who was earlier relieved from his post following a controversial political statement online.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/9/army-relieves-colonel-over-alleged-withdrawal-of-support-for-marcos-2019">READ: Army relieves colonel over alleged withdrawal of support for Marcos</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/10/palace-stresses-due-process-for-army-colonel-relieved-for-withdrawal-of-support-1331">READ: Palace stresses due process for Army colonel relieved for ‘withdrawal of support&#x27;</a></div><p>AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said there are no cracks or divisions within the organization, countering speculation that Mongao&#x27;s case could trigger unrest or influence among soldiers.</p><p>&quot;Una po sa lahat, patuloy po naming inaassure ang public that there is no division within the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Our troops, all of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, [are] intact. We remain professional and we remain united,&quot; Padilla told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.</p><p>&quot;There is no loyalty check to be conducted. Kilala po namin ang mga leaders. We know how our leaders conduct their own leadership,&quot; the official added.</p><p>Padilla said Mongao&#x27;s case is now under inquiry, but emphasized that it is premature to discuss possible charges.</p><p>&quot;With the case of Colonel Audie Mongao, it is currently under investigation and the inquiry is ongoing as of this time. Because of that, it is premature to state any specific charges that will be filed,&quot; she said.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/12/probe-underway-into-army-colonel-who-withdrew-support-for-marcos-1533">READ: Probe underway into Army colonel who withdrew support for Marcos</a></div><p>Padilla assured the public that the investigation will be conducted in accordance with existing military rules and policies—fully observing due process.</p><p>&quot;Definitely, the investigation will ensue and we are assuring the public that due process will be accorded to the party,&quot; she noted.</p><p>Asked whether the investigation will focus on Mongao&#x27;s motives or potential violations, Padilla said the probe would be comprehensive.</p><p>&quot;Sa investigation, we will leave no stone unturned,&quot; she said. &quot;Iyong magiging investigation would be very thorough but under the due process of the law.&quot;</p><p>Mongao was earlier relieved from his post and placed under attached/unassigned status following the circulation of a screenshot on social media showing a message in which he allegedly withdrew support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying, &quot;Sobra na, tama na! The Filipino people is worth fighting for. Mabuhay!&quot;</p>

<p>The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday stressed that there is no need for a loyalty check within its ranks.</p>

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday stressed that there is no need for a loyalty check within its ranks.

AFP dismisses loyalty checks amid probe into Army colonel who withdrew support for Marcos

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AFP dismisses loyalty checks amid probe into Army colonel who withdrew support for Marcos

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 13, 2026 03:16 PM PHT

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Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine Army

withdrawal of support

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Colonel Audie Mongao

investigation

loyalty check

AFP

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