Barzaga removed as Army reserve officer

MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Francisco Barzaga of the fourth district of Cavite has been removed from the list of the Philippine Army’s Reserve Force for making seditious remarks on social media last month, the PA confirmed yesterday.

Barzaga was also permanently barred from joining either the regular or the reserve forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said Barzaga’s expulsion as a reservist holding the rank of a private under the National Capital Region Regional Defense Group Reserve Command took effect on Sept. 21.

“This action was carried out following a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding his case, and in accordance with AFP’s rules and regulations,” Dema-ala said. “Rep. Barzaga loses his status as a member of the AFP Reserve Force, and is no longer authorized to wear the military uniform under any circumstance moving forward.”

Dema-ala said Barzaga’s speeches and utterances on social media declaring that the AFP, the reservists and the police have lost confidence in the President were insinuating sedition.

The remarks, accompanied by a photo of Barzaga in military uniform, endangered the AFP’s position as a non-partisan organization, Dema-ala said.

He said Barzaga violated Articles 177 and 179 of the Revised Penal Code or the laws against usurpation of authority, and illegal use of uniforms and insignias, respectively.

Dema-ala said the Army remains steadfast in its mission to serve the Filipino people “with honor, patriotism and a deep sense of duty.”