Ex-Air Force general arrested for rebellion, inciting sedition

Police arrested United People’s Initiative (UPI) convenor and retired Air Force General Romeo Poquiz on Monday, January 5, 2026, in connection with charges of rebellion and inciting to sedition.

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested Poquiz upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

Authorities said the arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 77.

Following his arrest, Poquiz was brought to the CIDG–National Capital Region office at Camp Crame, where he underwent booking and documentation procedures.

He is expected to post bail amounting to P48,000 for the charges filed against him before he is presented to the court.

Police said the case stemmed from Poquiz’s public statements calling on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to step down from office amid corruption allegations linked to allegedly anomalous flood control projects.

Authorities have not released further details on the specific acts cited in the complaint.

Poquiz is a retired Air Force general and a known figure in political and civic movements critical of the current administration.

As convenor of the United People’s Initiative, he has been vocal in urging accountability from government officials and raising concerns over alleged misuse of public funds.

In an interview with reporters, Poquiz’s legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, criticized the arrest and accused the executive branch of using state institutions to target political critics.

“Instead of jailing the corrupt, he jailed those going after the corrupt,” Topacio said.

Topacio further alleged that the Department of Justice was being used to suppress dissent, describing the arrest as a form of political persecution. He did not immediately say whether the defense would seek to challenge the arrest warrant or file motions questioning the charges.

As of this writing, Malacañang and the Department of Justice have yet to issue statements regarding Poquiz’s arrest and the allegations raised by his counsel.

Under Philippine law, rebellion and inciting to sedition are offenses that involve acts or statements seen as undermining or challenging the authority of the government. Convictions for such offenses carry corresponding penalties under the Revised Penal Code.

Poquiz remains under the custody of the CIDG pending further court proceedings.