Former lawmaker Michael “Mikee” Romero has formally stepped down from his post as wing commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve – Northern Luzon on Thursday, according to a report by RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.
In a letter of relinquishment of duties and retirement as Armed Forces reservist addressed to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Romero expressed wholehearted gratitude to the AFP leadership, whom he said was an immense honor and privilege to have served under.
“It has been a great privilege and honor to serve our country alongside the dedicated men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I am deeply grateful for the trust, friendship, camaraderie, and opportunities afforded to me throughout my years of service,” the former congressman said.
As a congressman in 2018, Romero was among the lawmakers who pressed for a wage hike for servicemen and other uniformed personnel by 58.7 percent, and allocated ₱22 billion to purchase three C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft for the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) use.
As a reservist, he took part in over 60 voluntary missions such as food, medical, dental, and educational aid, helping over 20,000 Filipinos from Pag-Asa Island, Mavulis and Itbayat in Batanes, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
During his time as Association of Reservists and Reservists Administrators of the Philippines Incorporated (ARRAPI) chair, Romero expanded the association’s membership to over 5,000 members, deployed trucks for flood relief in Bulacan, delivered medical supplies in Tawi-Tawi, and hosted the 2025 AFP National Reservist Convention in Makati, which was attended by thousands of reservists.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced on Thursday that it has officially dismissed Romero as a reservist, a move seeking to make way for a review and probe into the awards and badges supposedly accorded to former BGen. Romero.
The former reservist said he respects the process but stands firm on the legitimacy of his accolades.
PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco confirmed that Romero's resignation took effect yesterday, August 19.
