The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that the police officer who went viral online is now facing charges of incitement to sedition over his social media posts in response to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The PNP identified the police officer as Patrolman Francis Steve Tallion Fontillas.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) filed the inciting to sedition under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 complaint against Fontillas with the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
“This development follows Fontillas’ unauthorized and politically charged social media posts in response to reports of the former President’s arrest,” the PNP said.
Fontillas has been assigned to the District Personnel and Holding Admin Section since February 20, but has been absent without official leave (AWOL) since March 6, according to the PNP.
In a post on his Facebook account, Fontanillas questioned the complaint filed against him saying he only expressed his stand.
“What I did was incite sedition? Hahaha. Are you okay? I only expressed my stand and my principles. Where’s our right to freedom of expression now? The Philippines is a poor place. Hahaha,” he said in Filipino.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson and concurrent Police Regional Office-III chief, BGen. Jean Fajardo said that the police officer had a history of disturbing behavior, which include having a short temper and mood swings.
The police officer underwent medication in 2023 according to Fajardo.
She also said that Patrolman Fontillas applied for a sick leave on March 4 but it was disapproved.
“When the arrest of the former president took place, he started to make vlogs and make comments. Because of that, the QCPD director asked him to report to duty but he refused to report. He said he will not report until his medical leave is over. However, his medical leave was disapproved because he was not able to present a medical certificate to justify the need for it,” Fajardo said.
She said the National Capital Region Police Office is now looking at placing the police officer under restrictive custody due to his disturbing behavior.
“Aside from the sedition case and his willful violation of the existing policies, including his refusal to report physically, we have documented all of these,” Fajardo said.
She said the police officer would also face administrative charges which may result in dismissal from the service.
The PNP stressed its zero tolerance for political partisanship among its ranks and reminded personnel to remain apolitical and uphold the highest ethical standards in their official duties and personal conduct including their presence on social media.
QCPD Acting Director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. reminded all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.
The PNP vowed Fontillas’ case will be pursued with full transparency and due process, reinforcing its commitment to serving with integrity and impartiality.
PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil reaffirmed the organization’s strict adherence to neutrality.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Cop-turned-vlogger in trouble for seditious posts over Duterte arrest.”