By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Five administrative charges have been filed against the police officer earlier charged with inciting to sedition for his social media posts in connection with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said Wednesday.
In a press briefing held in Camp Karingal, QCPD Director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. said Pat. Francis Steve Fontillas was charged with grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer and two counts of less grave neglect of duty, which were already referred to the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
He said the grave misconduct case stems from “any act that constitutes a crime punishable under the Revised Penal Code”, while the case for conduct unbecoming of a police officer stems from “any act [that] seriously compromises his character and standing in the PNP.”
The two cases of less grave neglect of duty stemmed from Fontillas’ “[failure] to comply with any lawful order or instruction of a superior office” and “willful” violation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) guidelines on social media use.
Meanwhile, the fifth administrative case for less grave neglect of duty against Fontillas was referred to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Buslig said Fontillas had been considered absent without official leave (AWOL) since March 6.
This is despite Fontillas claiming in another Facebook post that he was on a leave of absence.
“Si Fontillas applied for leave March 6 to March 19. However, yung pinapakita niya doon is wala yung approved or disapproved (Fontillas applied for leave March 6 to 19. However, the document that he showed was neither approved nor disapproved). His leave was not processed because of lacking requirements,” said Buslig.
Buslig also said the Fontillas’ firearm was recalled on Feb. 26 because he was supposed to be scheduled for a psychiatric examination but he did not show up.
The police officer has a history of disturbing behavior, which include having a short temper and mood swings as he underwent medication in 2023.
Buslig said their investigation confirmed that Fontillas was behind social media pages that “incited unrest and hurtful action against the government.”
“Some of his posts were made while he was in police uniform, an outright violation of PNP regulations,” he added.
The QCPD’s Criminal Investigation Detective Unit (CIDU) has already communicated with Facebook to take down Fontillas’ account. (PNA)
