The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested retired military major general Romeo Poquiz, head of the United People’s Initiative, upon arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
Upon arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, Poquiz was served an arrest warrant in connection with charges of inciting sedition and rebellion filed by the CIDG at Quezon City RTC Branch 77, according to a report on dzRH's Damdaming Bayan by Jecelle Ricafort.
The retired general was brought to Camp Crame before being presented in court, where a bail of ₱48,000 was set. His lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, expressed hope that his client would be released later today.
In a sarcastic remark directed at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Topacio criticized the administration’s targeting of protesters rather than alleged corrupt officials:
“I will take this opportunity para pasalamatan ang ating Pangulo, si BBM [Bongbong Marcos] sapagkat tinupad niya nag kanyang pangako na may makukulong pero mali ang pinakukulong hindi po ‘yung mga nagnanakaw kundi yung mga nagpoprotesta sa pagnanakaw,” he said.
"Medyo nagkamali po yata kayo Mr. President kung sinuman ang nag-advise sa inyo na proceed against Gen. Poquiz na vineventalate lang naman niya ang saloobin ng mga pangkaraniwang Pilipino kung sino man ang advise sa inyo doon ay bangag iyon, tanggalin niyo,” Topacio added.
Topacio also condemned the statement by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla threatening to sue anyone who calls for “Marcos to resign,” calling it “blatant intimidation.”
“Matagal ng ginagawa ito, sabi ni Secretary Jonvic Remulla kung sisisgaw raw ng Marcos resign ay idedemanda. Hindi ba tahasan na pananakot ‘yan ng mga kritilko kaya sasabihin ko…Mr Secretary Jonvic Remulla: “Marcos resign, Marcos resign” on record ‘yan sige idemanda mo ako,” Topacio challenged Remulla.
The lawyer did not confirm or deny reports of a meeting between Poquiz and several retired generals with AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner on September 20, a day before nationwide anti-corruption rallies at Luneta, Manila, and EDSA, Quezon City.
