Mongao to face court martial

MANILA, Philippines — Mongao will face a general court martial after being relieved of his duty, Army chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said yesterday.

Nafarette said they are preparing for the court martial proceedings following the completion of the Army Training Command’s investigation.

Mongao is accused of violating Articles of War 63, which penalizes disrespect toward the President, Vice President, members of Congress or the secretary of the Department of National Defense.

Nafarrete said the composition of the general court martial, which will try Mongao, is being finalized.

As for speculations that the proceedings are meant to silence Mongao, Nafarrete maintained that Mongao “was detained because of his statements disrespecting the President.”

“Mongao is still part of the organization. He lost confidence so he has to face an investigation,” Nafarrete said.

Mongao has been relieved as commander of the training support group under the Training Command.

Mongao’s post supposedly stated: “Sobra na, tama na! The Filipino people are worth fighting for. Mabuhay!”

The online post has been taken down.