MANILA (Xinhua): A retired Air Force general of the Philippines, who was arrested on Monday over his alleged role in an anti-government destabilisation plot, was freed a few hours later after posting bail of 48,000 pesos (US$2,663), authorities and his lawyer have said.
Operatives of the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested retired Major General Romeo Poquiz at Manila's international airport upon his arrival from a family holiday in Bangkok, Thailand, by virtue of a court-issued arrest warrant.
Poquiz was facing charges of rebellion and inciting sedition in connection with anti-corruption protests held in November last year.
The complaint stemmed from a protest rally organized by Poquiz's group in Manila, during which he allegedly urged members of the armed forces to rise against the government.
Poquiz is the convenor of the United People's Initiative, a civic group composed mainly of retired military and police officers that emerged as an anti-corruption movement seeking accountability over allegedly anomalous flood control projects.
Among the group's demands was a call for Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos to step down amid corruption controversies involving government officials, lawmakers, and private contractors.
Poquiz's name was also mentioned as one of the alleged instigators of a planned coup in November, an accusation he has denied.
He previously said his group met with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Romeo Brawner only to "air our legitimate grievances," and not to urge the military to withdraw support for Marcos.
"I did not," Poquiz said last year when asked if he specifically tried to convince Brawner to withdraw military support.
Following his arrest, Poquiz was brought to the Philippine National Police national headquarters for booking and documentation before being presented to the court, which later granted him bail. -- Xinhua
