PH Army delists Barzaga from reserve force

Metro Manila, Philippines - Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga was delisted from the reserve force over remarks that insinuate sedition, the Philippine Army confirmed on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

The army said Barzaga’s delisting took effect on Sept. 21.

The decision stemmed from Barzaga’s social media post, with a photo of him wearing a military uniform, stating that uniformed personnel would join an anti-government protest in September.

“Such statements endanger the Armed Forces' position as a non-partisan organization,” the Philippine Army said in a statement.

“Rep. Barzaga loses his status as a member of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Reserve Force and is no longer authorized to wear the military uniform under any circumstance moving forward,” it said. “Additionally, he is barred from being commissioned into the AFP Regular or Reserve Force in the future.”

Barzaga earlier cited his foreign policy differences with Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro as reason for the army’s decision.