The Philippine military has launched an unusually aggressive pushback against what it describes as a growing campaign to destabilise its personnel and ultimately unseat President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr.
Army and navy officials have warned that disinformation campaigns, rogue recruitment drives and seditious messaging – often amplified on social media – pose a growing threat to military cohesion. The crackdown comes amid fears of a reprise of coup plots that rocked the country in previous decades.
Among the first to be targeted was Congressman Elpidio “Kiko” Barzaga, who on September 21 posted a photograph of himself wearing a military uniform while alluding to the creation of a breakaway “Republic of Mindanao”.
On Wednesday, the army delisted him from the reserve force – an unprecedented disciplinary step against an incumbent lawmaker.
Colonel Louie Dema-ala, spokesman for the Philippine Army, told reporters that Barzaga’s actions were “seditious” and violated military norms.
“As per investigation, he had committed the offensive action on September 21 by posting his picture in military uniform while insinuating seditious statements,” he said. “That is why the date is also when his delistment is deemed effective.”
