Retired military general arrested at NAIA over sedition raps

A retired military general critical of the Marcos administration was arrested upon his return to the country on Monday. 

Police apprehended retired Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 shortly after he arrived from Bangkok, Thailand. 

Authorities said the arrest was linked to an inciting to sedition complaint over his alleged involvement in a destabilization plot against the government.

The case traces back to a rally held in November at the People Power Monument, where Poquiz’s group allegedly called on active-duty soldiers and police officers to withdraw support from the current administration—remarks investigators say crossed the line from protest to sedition.

Poquiz’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, denounced the arrest, claiming authorities violated his client’s rights. 

“Totally atrocious! We were barred from conferring with our client. Sobrang garapal naman!” he said, accusing police of heavy-handed tactics.

The arrest comes months after Poquiz, who led a coalition of ex-soldiers and civilian groups in a public march to Camp Aguinaldo, earlier demanded a meeting with Brawner ahead of the September 21 anti-corruption protests. 

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Romeo Brawner confirmed meeting with Poquiz and other retired officers, who raised concerns about alleged corruption under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

At the time, Brawner noted the discussions but emphasized the military’s commitment to the constitutional order.