NAPOLCOM probes viral cop over social media posts after Duterte arrest

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) said Wednesday that the police officer who went viral online is now under investigation over his social media posts in response to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

“Noong unang nakita natin yan, inutusan natin ang NAPOLCOM particularly yung Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service o IMIS para i-check agad yung social media post na yan,” NAPOLCOM commissioner Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview.

(When we first saw that, we ordered NAPOLCOM, particularly the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service or IMIS, to immediately check that social media post.)

“And we're expecting the proper administrative case to be filed very soon. If not, baka na-file na po today at gugulong po 'yun,” he added.

(And we're expecting the proper administrative case to be filed very soon. If not, it might be filed today and that will be pushed through.)

Calinisan said the possible administrative cases against Patrolman Francis Steve Tallion Fontillas are grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

He said these offenses may lead to demotion, suspension, or dismissal.

On Tuesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) filed an inciting to sedition complaint against Fontillas.

The 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 the cop 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.

"Inciting 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. According to him, his wife was present when he filed the application for leave.

Own legal representative

On Wednesday, Fontillas said he wants to serve as his own legal representative as he cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

“Pakiusap lang po, wala akong budget para sa abogado. Saka abogado lang ang papayamanin natin sa kaso-kaso na 'yan. Hahaha. Kaya kung pwede, ako na lang ang tatayong abogado sa sarili ko,” he said in a post on his social media page.

(Please, I don't have the budget for a lawyer. We'll only make lawyers rich in these cases. Hahaha. So if possible, I'll just serve as my own lawyer.)

“Bigyan ninyo lang ako ng kahit 10 minutes to rebut all your accusations, kahit naka-Facebook live pa. And I assure you, I will and I can defend myself. Isaksak ninyo 'yan sa mga bumbunan ninyo. That's my challenge to everyone who is against my stand. I PROMISE YOU, NO ONE CAN BRING ME DOWN, NOT EVEN YOU!” he added.

(Just give me at least 10 minutes to rebut all your accusations, even if it's on Facebook live. And I assure you, I will and I can defend myself. Remember that. That's my challenge to everyone who is against my stand. I PROMISE YOU, NO ONE CAN BRING ME DOWN, NOT EVEN YOU!)

PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil earlier 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. 

Neuropsychiatric health condition

In a separate press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said it was found out that there had been issues as regards the cop's neuropsychiatric health condition as early as 2003.

Castro then highlighted the need for the police organization to be strict in choosing its personnel.

“Kahit naman po noon ay talaga naman pong istrikto sa pagpili ng kakatawanin po ‘no ng PNP, ang pamunuan ng PNP,” she said.

(Even before, the PNP leadership has been strict in choosing its personnel.)

“May mga pagkakataon din po siguro, mga isolated cases na nagkakaganito na habang sila po ay nagkakaroon ng kanilang serbisyo ay doon po lumalabas kung anuman iyong naging problema. So, kailangan naman po talagang maging istrikto sa pagpili ng kakatawanin po ng PNP,” Castro said.

(There are also isolated cases wherein the problem arises when they are already in service. So, there is really a need to be strict in choosing PNP personnel.) — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News