Napolcom fires cop behind online attacks vs. Marcos, PNP officials over Duterte's ICC arrest
The National Police Commission en banc fired the cop who went viral with his posts against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and other Philippine National Police officials over former president Rodrigo Duterte's arrest and turnover to the International Criminal Court.
According to The Philippine STAR, Napolcom dismissed Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas from service after he was found guilty of grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and disloyalty to the government.
Fontillas was also perpetually disqualified from running for public office.
Rafael Vicente Calinisan, Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer, said the decision was unanimous.
It was contrary to Fontillas' claim that he tendered his irrevocable resignation effective April 10.
Last March, Fontillas threatened to arrest Marcos following the arrest of Duterte, who's now facing a crimes against humanity case before the ICC.
He also warned about bringing "war" against the ICC and the International Police Organization if they tried to "lay [a] finger” on Duterte.
Napolcom then filed administrative cases of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against Fontillas. The Quezon City Police District, meanwhile, filed an inciting to sedition complaint against him.
In response, Fontillas questioned the QCPD's complaint, arguing that he only "expressed" his "stand" and "principles."
"Inciting to sedition daw 'ýung ginawa ko? Hahaha. Okay lang ba kayo?" he said in a Facebook post. "Where's our right to freedom of expression now? Kawawa naman ang Pilipinas. Hahaha."
Later, Calinisan said Fontillas reported for work at the QCPD, "crying and extremely apologetic."
The Napolcom official added that Fontillas promised not to post seditious comments and hate speech on his social media pages following the filing of cases. At the time, he was also placed in restrictive custody at the QCPD headquarters at Camp Karingal.
But even while in restrictive custody, the QCPD said Fontillas continued his online attacks. His usual targets were PNP Chief Rommel Marbil, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Nicolas Torre III, and PNP Spokesperson Jean Fajardo, according to the STAR.
Fontillas kept on insisting that he isn't biased in favor of Duterte, but his shared posts were supportive of him.
While members of the PNP, it is the duty of police officers to stay apolitical.
