(Manila, AFP) – A former general of the Philippine Air Force, Boguiz, was apprehended Monday at Manila International Airport and arrested on charges of inciting rebellion, once again sparking controversy over the political and military stances within the country.
Philippine Interior Secretary Remulla confirmed that the 67-year-old Boguiz, who had returned to Manila from vacation in Thailand, was detained by authorities upon entering the airport. Acting police chief Nartartes said at a press conference that the arrest was based on a warrant issued on December 5 last year.
On the same day, Boguiz posted a brief message on Facebook confirming the arrest, stating that he was "arrested by the National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at the airport terminal," adding that he was being brought to Manila police headquarters for processing, while also posting the phrase, "Long live the Philippines!"
President Marcos Jr. did not mention the arrest of the former general while signing the new fiscal year's budget on the same day, which drew public attention.
Boguiz’s attorney, Topacio, defended him by pointing out that Boguiz’s remarks did not constitute “direct incitement to rebellion,” but were instead a discussion of the possible consequences of corruption then under investigation. Topacio criticized the arrest, saying it showed the government “blaming whistleblowers rather than those who steal the people's hard-earned money.”
Philippine military chief of staff Brawner revealed last October that Boguiz and a group of retired officers had expressed dissatisfaction with the Marcos Jr. administration, but the military “Operations Staff” rejected their proposals. Brawner also noted that some retired officers had attempted to contact active-duty junior officers, seeking to launch a coup to “reshape Philippine society,” but did not disclose their names.
Reportedly, one of the backgrounds to such military intervention actions was a major anti-corruption scandal involving flood control projects that erupted last September, sparking nationwide protests and criticism. It also served as a starting point for Boguiz and fellow retired officers to call publicly for government accountability.
This incident comes at a time of heightened political tension in the Philippines. The arrest of the former general not only affects domestic public opinion but also triggers renewed debate about the role and limits of the military within a democratic system.
On the same day, Boguiz posted a brief message on Facebook confirming the arrest, stating that he was "arrested by the National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at the airport terminal," adding that he was being brought to Manila police headquarters for processing, while also posting the phrase, "Long live the Philippines!"
President Marcos Jr. did not mention the arrest of the former general while signing the new fiscal year's budget on the same day, which drew public attention.
Boguiz’s attorney, Topacio, defended him by pointing out that Boguiz’s remarks did not constitute “direct incitement to rebellion,” but were instead a discussion of the possible consequences of corruption then under investigation. Topacio criticized the arrest, saying it showed the government “blaming whistleblowers rather than those who steal the people's hard-earned money.”
Philippine military chief of staff Brawner revealed last October that Boguiz and a group of retired officers had expressed dissatisfaction with the Marcos Jr. administration, but the military “Operations Staff” rejected their proposals. Brawner also noted that some retired officers had attempted to contact active-duty junior officers, seeking to launch a coup to “reshape Philippine society,” but did not disclose their names.
Reportedly, one of the backgrounds to such military intervention actions was a major anti-corruption scandal involving flood control projects that erupted last September, sparking nationwide protests and criticism. It also served as a starting point for Boguiz and fellow retired officers to call publicly for government accountability.
This incident comes at a time of heightened political tension in the Philippines. The arrest of the former general not only affects domestic public opinion but also triggers renewed debate about the role and limits of the military within a democratic system.