Retired Gen. Poquiz Arrested for Inciting Sedition

Retired Philippine Air Force General Romeo Poquiz was arrested Monday morning at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila upon his arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, on charges of inciting to sedition, authorities confirmed. The 67-year-old, a prominent critic of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, was detained by officers from the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Aviation Security Group shortly after 8 a.m., following an arrest warrant issued December 5 by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77.

Poquiz, founder of the United Peoples Initiative group of retired military officers, faces accusations stemming from public statements urging active-duty personnel to withdraw support from the government amid allegations of corruption, particularly in flood control projects. Prosecutors filed the complaint with the Department of Justice, alleging his remarks during rallies and online posts encouraged actions that could destabilize public order. Under Philippine law, inciting to sedition involves speeches, writings, or other representations that prompt others to rise tumultuously against the government, without the inciter...