Police arrested on Monday, January 5, retired Air Force Major General Romeo Poquiz on charges of inciting to sedition for allegedly urging active soldiers to withdraw support from President Marcos amid corruption allegations, particularly those concerning flood control projects.
Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. confirmed that Poquiz was arrested at past 8 a.m. upon returning from a family vacation in Thailand.
His arrest was based on a warrant issued by Branch 77 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
“A case had been referred against him for inciting to sedition and an arrest warrant was issued on December 5, so we implemented it,” Nartatez said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Aviation Security Group carried out the arrest.
Authorities allege that Poquiz played a leading role in efforts to oust Marcos by engaging with active military officers.
The CIDG had previously investigated high-profile personalities suspected of involvement in the riot during the “Trillion Peso March” in Manila on September 21 last year.
Following his arrest, Poquiz underwent booking procedures and is expected to be presented before the court. The case is bailable.
His lawyers criticized the police action, but Nartatez emphasized that due process was observed.
“The case was investigated, evidence was referred to the prosecution, and the court found probable cause. This is the result of the prosecution service’s work, and now he will be tried. There’s nothing personal,” he said.
Nartatez added that Poquiz’s arrest underscores the importance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
“If there is a basis for a case, the PNP will implement the court’s orders without fear or favor,” he stressed. (Aaron Recuenco, Ariel Fernandez)
