A former Philippine air force general accused of encouraging the military to abandon President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr was arrested on a charge of sedition on Monday at Manila’s international airport.
Romeo Poquiz, who had publicly called for the armed forces to “withdraw their support” from Marcos amid a burgeoning corruption scandal, was detained by police after returning from a holiday in Thailand, interior department secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
“He was arrested for the charge of sedition in connection [with] his recent statements. He was arrested upon arrival from Bangkok this morning,” Remulla said in a text message.
Speaking at a news conference, acting police chief Jose Nartatez said Poquiz had been detained on the basis of a December 5 warrant.
The 67-year-old ex-general confirmed his arrest in a post on social media.
“I was arrested by the [Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group] at the Airport Terminal … Long live the Filipino!” Poquiz said, adding he was being taken to Manila’s Camp Crame police headquarters.
Philippine anti-corruption protests turn violent
Philippine anti-corruption protests turn violent
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