Retired Philippine Air Force Major General Romeo Poquiz was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on charges of inciting to sedition but was later released after posting bail.
Poquiz posted bail of P48,000 as set by the court and was subsequently freed.
He has a standing arrest warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77 on December 5, 2025, for inciting to sedition.
The case stemmed from his earlier call for the armed forces to rise against the government during anti-corruption rallies in November last year.
Poquiz’s lawyers criticized the police over the arrest, but police officials said due process was observed in the implementation of the warrant.
‘‘The case was investigated and pieces of evidence were referred and forwarded to the prosecution, and the court found probable cause. This was a result of the work of the prosecution service and now he will be tried. That’s the process; there’s nothing personal,’’ a police official said.
Poquiz said the police force should follow due process and enforce the law without fear or favor.
He underwent booking procedures at Camp Crame after his arrest and was presented before the court that issued the warrant.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said the arrest of the retired officer was carried out through lawful means, reflecting the primacy of the rule of law and the authority of established legal institutions.
In a statement, the military said a civilian court issued a valid arrest warrant against Poquiz for inciting to sedition, a charge filed by the Department of Justice.
‘‘The AFP reiterates that while freedom of expression is protected by the Constitution, it must be exercised within legal bounds. Acts that incite participation in rebellion, sedition, or other unlawful activities are punishable under Philippine law, regardless of an individual’s former position or status,’’ the AFP said.
