Police officer placed under restrictive custody for seditious posts

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) announced that police officer Francis Steve Tallion Fontillas will be placed under restrictive custody after his controversial social media posts criticizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Commissioner Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan stated that Napolcom's Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service was tasked to investigate Fontillas' posts immediately upon discovery, emphasizing that this case does not represent the entire Philippine National Police force.

Fontillas reported back to work on March 20, crying and extremely apologetic, promising to stop posting seditious comments and hate speech online. He is currently being processed for administrative complaints under grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

NAPOLCOM has filed an administrative complaint against Fontillas, who faces inciting to sedition charges under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Commissioner Calinisan urged Fontillas to seek medical help amid reports that he has shown mental health 'red flags'.

Fontillas refused to undergo a neuropsychiatric exam despite previous medication in 2023, arguing his remarks do not constitute inciting to sedition and denying posting anything that called for the government's overthrow. He was also charged with violating Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on March 17.