Mikee Romero retires from AFP Reserve Force amid medals controversy

MIKEE ROMERO. File photo shows then-1-Pacman representative Michael 'Mikee' Romero addressing an event in March 2022. Congressman Mikee Romero's Facebook page The former congressman also relinquishes his post as wing commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve Northern Luzon 'effective immediately' Businessman Michael "Mikee" Romero has retired from the AFP Reserve Force amid scrutiny over his military awards. Romero's retirement follows a controversial photo with AFP chief General Antonio Nafarrete, which raised questions about the number of medals he wore. The AFP is reviewing its policies on awards and promotions for reserve personnel, with an ongoing investigation into potential irregularities. This is AI-generated. Read the article for full context. Report any errors. MANILA, Philippines – Businessman and former 1-Pacman congressman Michael “Mikee” Romero has retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Force, amid questions raised over his military awards. “With gratitude and respect, I hereby formally relinquish all my duties and responsibilities as Wing Commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve Northern Luzon and retire from the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), effective immediately,” Romero said in a letter addressed to AFP chief General Antonio Nafarrete dated August 19. Romero, who held the rank of brigadier general in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Reserve, made the move days after his photo with Nafarrete made the rounds on social media. The photo showed the former congressman in uniform with seemingly more medals than the AFP chief himself, raising questions about how Romero, a reserve officer, got so many medals in the first place. Among the medals allegedly spotted on Romero was the Gold Cross Medal, which is the fourth highest military award given to personnel for acts of gallantry. Romero denied this and said his Gawad sa Kapayapaan medal — for helping the AFP acquire three new C-130 aircraft when he was still a congressman — was mistaken for the Gold Cross Medal. An example of a Gold Cross Medal recipient is Scout Ranger Captain Gromel Auman, who was killed in action during a firefight with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on March 8, 2015. On Wednesday, August 19, the AFP said in a statement that it was “reviewing its policies and procedures on the recruitment, promotion, and conferment of awards to personnel of the Reserve Force.” The AFP said it “remains committed to upholding the integrity, meritocracy, and credibility of its processes. Any verified irregularities shall be addressed in accordance with existing rules and regulations.” “The AFP recognizes the valuable contributions of its reservists and will continue to ensure that the standards governing the Reserve Force are properly observed,” it added. The AFP also cited an ongoing PAF investigation into the matter. The PAF said the investigation will address concerns regarding the promotions and decorations to reserve personnel. It said this will include a review “of the affected personnel records, orders, and promotion boards.” “Any verified irregularities or policy violations resulting from this investigation will be dealt with decisively under existing rules and regulations to preserve the credibility and standards of the Air Force Reserve Service,” the PAF said. Among those who backed the review was Senate Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, a Philippine Military Academy graduate who had served in the Philippine Constabulary and the Philippine National Police. “Behind every ribbon pinned on a soldier’s uniform represents a medal. Every medal has a unique story about heroism, valor, courage and bravery, or an outstanding feat even outside the combat zone,” Lacson said in a social media post on Wednesday. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading