MANILA - The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Association has spoken in defense of Social Welfare Secretary and former Army chief Rolando Bautista.

The organization condemned the tirade of radio anchor Erwin Tulfo, who lashed out on air and hurled insults at Bautista for refusing to be interviewed.

Members of the Philippine Army, especially those who fought during the Marawi siege, have also been picking a fight with Tulfo on social media, saying Bautista has done more for the country than Tulfo ever will.

An online petition on platform Change.org also sought Tulfo's public apology to Bautista. It has garnered more than 4,700 signatures as of this writing.

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Bautista, the former commander of the Presidential Security Group, the 1st Infantry Division, and Joint Task Force Marawi, was in the frontlines during the height of the Marawi siege, earning the respect of military men who fought alongside him.

Tulfo has since apologized for the rant, but stopped short of saying sorry for criticizing Bautista because he said recanting was something he and his brothers never did.