Manila, Philippines – Returning from his vacation in Thailand, retired Air Force Major General Romeo Poquiz was welcomed by authorities in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday, serving his arrest warrant.
Poquiz was arrested over incitement to sedition charges via the arrest order issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court 77 on December 5 last year.
The case rooted from his participation in November 25 rallies where he criticized the administration over a corruption scandal in the government.
This is still aside from allegations of plotting destabilization, urging military officials to withdraw their support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines’ commander in chief.
Poquiz was the convenor of United People’ Initiative, a group of retired military officers who called on Marcos’ resignation amid a corruption scandal.
Poquiz was brought to Camp Crame for related processes, with at least P48,000 recommended bail.
Following his arrest, his lawyer Atty. Ferdinand Topacio condemned Poquiz’s arrest, citing violations of his rights and expressing plans to file charges against arresting authorities over said violations.
Topacio also believes that this is a scare tactic and harassment against vocal critics of the Marcos administration.
In their defense, the Philippine National Police argued that they just did their duties as the warrant orders, and that this is nothing personal.–Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News