Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga Loses Army Reserve Status Over Alleged Sedition
KIKO BARZAGA – Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga has been delisted from the Philippine Army Reserve Force following a controversial social media post that drew the attention of military officials.
Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, also known as Cong Meow, has been officially removed from the Philippine Army’s reserve force.
According to Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala, the “delistment” of Barzaga became effective on September 21. “Mayroon kasing procedures. Inannounce lang noong September 30 ‘yung kanyang recommendation, however, tumatakbo na ang investigation sa kanya. And September 21 niya kasi na commit ang offense,” Dema-ala explained.
He further stated that the decision was made in accordance with the General Headquarters, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Standard Operating Procedure No. 7. “As a result, Representative 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,” the official added.
The Philippine Army clarified that the move was purely administrative and had nothing to do with Barzaga’s personal character or his work as a public servant.
Records show that Barzaga became a member of the Army Reserve Force only last January, holding the rank of “Private” under the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group (NCRRDG).
The decision to remove Barzaga stemmed from his controversial social media post regarding the alleged withdrawal of support by some active military and police officers from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He reportedly cited corruption in the government as the reason behind the supposed loss of confidence.
Barzaga also posted photos of himself in military uniform on Facebook while making political statements — a clear violation of the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, which prohibits reservists from engaging in partisan political activities while representing the military.
“He was insinuating sedition with an attached photo of him in military uniform. Such statements endanger the Armed Forces’ position as a non-partisan organization,” Dema-ala said.
With his removal, Barzaga is now stripped of his rights and privileges as a reservist and can no longer don any military attire under any circumstances.
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