Retired Air Force General Poquiz Arrested on Sedition, Rebellion Charges Upon Arrival at NAIA

Retired Air Force General Poquiz Arrested on Sedition, Rebellion Charges Upon Arrival at NAIA

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | January 5, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Retired Major General Romeo V. Poquiz, a vocal critic of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, was arrested on Monday, January 5, 2025, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

The arrest, executed by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG), occurred immediately after Poquiz disembarked from Cebu Pacific flight 5J932 from Bangkok, Thailand.

The charges against Poquiz – rebellion and sedition – were filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 77. According to police reports, the arrest was coordinated with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Witnesses at the arrival gate reported seeing Poquiz taken into custody and handcuffed shortly after exiting the aircraft. He is currently being held at Camp Crame, the Philippine National Police headquarters, for processing.

Poquiz, a former high-ranking officer in the Philippine Air Force and founder of the United People’s Initiative (UPI), is accused of inciting unrest through social media posts and public statements. The DOJ alleges his actions are directly linked to a multibillion-peso “flood control scandal,” which he has vocally denounced.

“A Form of Harassment,” Poquiz Claims Through Counsel

In a statement released through his legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, General Poquiz vehemently denied the charges, labeling his detention as politically motivated and “a form of harassment” designed to silence dissenting voices.

“I am merely expressing the sentiments of the people regarding the rampant corruption plaguing our nation,” Poquiz stated. “This is a clear attempt to stifle dissent and suppress freedom of speech.”

Atty. Topacio echoed this sentiment, arguing, “This arrest is the latest in a series of reprehensible actions by the current administration to silence its critics. General Poquiz was simply articulating the frustrations felt by a vast majority of Filipinos concerning scandalous corruption.”

Arrest Sparks Concerns Over Freedom of Expression

The arrest of General Poquiz, who was returning from a New Year’s vacation in Bangkok with his family, has ignited concerns regarding freedom of expression and the government’s tolerance of criticism. Poquiz has been a prominent voice against the current administration, frequently leveraging social media and public platforms to voice his opinions on various issues.

Prior to his arrest, military leadership accused Poquiz of attempting to recruit active-duty officers to withdraw support from the President, allegations he has consistently refuted, maintaining that his actions are an exercise of his right to demand accountability.

The charges of rebellion and sedition are serious offenses under Philippine law, carrying significant penalties. The legal basis for these charges is already a point of contention, and the case is expected to draw intense public and legal scrutiny. Poquiz is expected to be transported to Camp Karingal for processing before appearing before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77 to post bail.

This case is likely to exacerbate existing tensions between the government and its critics. It will undoubtedly be closely monitored by human rights organizations and international observers concerned about the state of democracy and freedom of speech in the Philippines. The outcome will serve as a crucial barometer of the government’s commitment to upholding these fundamental rights.