Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PLTGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. defended the arrest of former General Romeo Poquiz, saying it followed proper legal procedures and was not an act of retaliation for his criticism of corruption.

In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Nartatez explained that the PNP’s role is strictly to investigate crimes and enforce the law.

“Nasunod naman po ang proseso. Nag-imbestiga ang pulis. Ito po ay inusig sa husgado,” Nartatez said.

Poquiz has alleged that he was targeted for speaking out against corruption, but Nartatez clarified that his case involves inciting sedition and was properly filed in court following a formal investigation.

He also noted that thousands of individuals nationwide have pending arrest warrants, all of which the police are duty-bound to implement.

“In the course of investigation, nakaka-arresto po tayo ng mga tao na lumabag sa batas or we are implementing the law,” he added.

In a related update, Nartatez confirmed that former Bureau of Corrections Chief General Bantag is still in the country and remains a subject of active pursuit by dedicated PNP intelligence and investigation teams.

“Hindi naman po habang buhay ay magtatago ang isang tao. Nandiyan po ang resources ng Philippine National Police at nakatutok po tayo para ma-aresto, ma-implement ang warrant of arrest against General Bantag,” Nartatez said.

Bantag, who hails from Northern Luzon, is being monitored nationwide, with coordination also extending to international law enforcement partners.