A police officer who went viral online is now facing an inciting to sedition complaint over his social media posts in response to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the PNP identified the cop 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 former President’s arrest,” the PNP said.
Fontillas has been assigned to the District Personnel and Holding Admin Section since February 20, 2025 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.
“Ïnciting to sedition daw ‘ýung ginawa ko? Hahaha. Okay lang ba kayo? I only expressed my stand and my principles. Where’s our right to freedom of expression now? Kawawa naman ang Pilipinas. Hahaha,” he said.
(What I did was inciting to sedition? I only expressed my stand and my principles. Where’s our right to freedom of expression now? How pitiful the Philippines is.)
He also posted a copy of his application for leave, saying that on March 5 he filed a leave for 10 days, March 6 to 19, which was approved and signed by their chief administrator.
He added his wife was present when he filed the application for leave.
The PNP stressed its zero tolerance for political bias 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.
The QCPD also reminded its personnel to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.
“PNP officers shall remain apolitical and non-partisan at all times and we must refrain from posting unauthorized and biased contents in social media and other communication platforms,” the QCPD said.
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.
“The PNP is a pillar of law and order, not a platform for personal or political agendas. Let this serve as a warning—any police officer who undermines our core values of integrity, service, and professionalism will face the full force of the law. We will never allow partisan influence to erode public trust in the PNP,” he said.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News
