Viral cop reports back to work, vows to stop seditious comments

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Friday said the cop who went viral online with his social media posts in response to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte has reported back to work.

In a statement, NAPOLCOM commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan said Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas also vowed to stop posting seditious comments and hate speech on social media.

“Pat. Fontillas reported to the QCPD yesterday, March 20, 2025. He was crying and extremely apologetic. Fontillas also promised not to post seditious comments and hate speech on his social media pages,” Calinisan said.

According to Calinisan, Fontillas is currently being processed and will be placed under restrictive custody.

While Fontillas said that he will respond to the criminal and administrative cases filed against him, Calinisan said the police officer has yet to file a responsive pleading.

The NAPOLCOM and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to pursue the criminal and administrative cases against Fontillas.

On the administrative cases for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer filed by NAPOLCOM, Calinisan said the Commission will “resolve it with judicious dispatch as his fitness to remain in the police service is what is at stake.”

“We assure the Filipino People that Pat. Fontillas is not a representation of the 225,000 strong police force,” Calinisan said.

“Moving forward, the NAPOLCOM will review and look into the recruitment process and the annual neuropsychiatric evaluation in the PNP and search for possible improvements in the current procedures,” he added.

The QCPD earlier said the cop had undergone medication in 2023 to manage his mental health “red flags.” Since then, Fontillas has been refusing a follow-up checkup and assessment.

Apology

In a separate statement, the QPCD said Fontillas reported to them around 11 a.m. on Thursday and submitted his explanations regarding his actions and absences.

The QCPD said that as part of the requirements for his return to active duty, Fontillas will undergo a medical check-up and neuropsychiatric examination on Friday.

According to the QPCD, Fontillas has apologized for his actions.

“Patrolman Fontillas expressed his sincere apology and deep regret for his actions when he reported to the Acting District Director, QCPD. He assured that he has learned from this experience and vowed not to repeat such behavior,” the QCPD said.

The QCPD said it remains steadfast in upholding professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to the laws and regulations while assuring that due process is being observed.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Fontillas about NAPOLCOM and QCPD’s statements but he has yet to respond as of posting time.

Forgiven?

In a Facebook post, Fontillas said that the PNP has forgiven him and that he is still part of the police organization. He also thanked the PNP and QCPD for understanding his grievances.

“Sa kabila ng paggimbal ko sa organisasyon at sa gobyerno, pinatawad pa rin ako ng PNP. Isa pa rin akong pulis ng Pilipinas,” he said.

(Despite the shock I gave to the organization and the government, the PNP still forgave me. I am still a Philippine police officer.)

“Maraming maraming salamat po sa Panginoon. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa buong pamunuan ng PNP, lalong-lalo na sa QCPD, na nakinig at naunawaan ang mga saloobin at hinaing ko at sobrang gaan na ng loob ko,” he added.

(Many, many thanks to the Lord. Many, many thanks to the entire PNP leadership, especially the QCPD, who listened and understood my thoughts and grievances and I am so relieved.)

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

“This development follows Fontillas’ unauthorized and politically charged social media posts in response to reports of former President's arrest,” the PNP said.

In a post on his Facebook account, Fontanillas had 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 incite sedition? I only expressed my stand and my principles. Where's our right to freedom of expression now? How pitiful the Philippines is.)

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. —VAL, GMA Integrated News