Kiko Barzaga Stripped of Military Rank After Political Post Sparks Probe
KIKO BARZAGA – The Philippine Army has officially booted Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga from its reserve roster, citing violations tied to a social media post hinting at sedition.
Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, popularly known as Cong Meow, has been officially delisted from the Philippine Army Reserve Force.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala confirmed that Barzaga’s removal took effect 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 noted that the action was carried out following 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,” Dema-ala added.
The Philippine Army emphasized that the decision was an administrative matter and not related to Barzaga’s personal background or his performance as an elected official.
Documents reveal that Barzaga joined the Army Reserve Force in January, where he held the rank of “Private” under the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group (NCRRDG).
His removal was prompted by a contentious social media post in which he discussed the supposed withdrawal of support by certain active members of the military and police from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Barzaga reportedly attributed this alleged withdrawal to widespread corruption in government.
He also shared photos of himself wearing a military uniform while making political statements on Facebook—an act considered a breach of the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, which bans reservists from participating 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.
Following his delisting, Barzaga has lost all rights and privileges as a reservist and is no longer permitted to wear any military uniform under any condition.
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