A police officer who went viral for his social media posts about the possible arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte is now facing an inciting to sedition complaint.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) formally filed charges against Patrolman Francis Steve Tallion Fontillas on Tuesday.

The QCPD lodged the inciting to sedition case under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, with the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

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

According to the PNP, Fontillas has been assigned to the District Personnel and Holding Admin Section since 20 February 2025. However, he has been absent without official leave (AWOL) since 6 March, according to the police force.

Fontillas, however, dismissed the complaint in a Facebook post, asserting that he was merely expressing his opinion.

“Inciting to sedition daw yung 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 ("You’re saying what I did was inciting to sedition? Hahaha. Are you all okay? I just expressed my stance and principles. Where’s our right to freedom of expression now? Poor Philippines. Hahaha),” he wrote in Filipino and English.

He also denied going AWOL, posting a copy of his leave application, stating that he filed for 10 days of leave from 6-19 March, which was approved and signed by their chief administrator.

“Nag-file ako ng leave from March 6-19, and it was approved and signed, witness pa ang asawa ko noong nag-file ako at noong inaprubahan ng Chief Admin, tapos sasabihin niyong AWOL ako? Ang kukupal niyo naman talaga ("I filed for leave from March 6-19, and it was approved and signed, my wife was even a witness when I filed it and when it was approved by the Chief Admin. Then you’re saying I’m AWOL? You’re really something else),” he said, adding that his wife was present when he filed the application for leave.

Zero tolerance

Meanwhile, the PNP emphasized its zero tolerance for political bias among its ranks, reminding officers to remain apolitical and uphold the highest ethical standards in both their official duties and social media presence.

“The PNP assures the public that this case will be pursued with full transparency and due process, reinforcing its commitment to serving with integrity and impartiality,” the police organization stated.

PNP chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil also underscored the agency’s strict adherence to political 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,” he said.

“We will never allow partisan influence to erode public trust in the PNP,” Marbil added.

The QCPD also reminded its personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, warning against posting unauthorized and biased content on social media.

“PNP officers shall remain apolitical and non-partisan at all times and we must refrain from posting unauthorized and biased content on social media and other communication platforms,” the QCPD said.

The PNP reiterated that Fontillas’ case will be handled with full transparency and due process, affirming its commitment to integrity and impartiality in serving the public.

PCO perspective

According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, uniformed personnel must be impartial and non-partisan.

“Any president would be shocked by the behavior of the uniformed personnel. We know that uniformed personnel should be impartial and non-partisan — so, there alone, he has committed a violation,” she said. 

“So, what is appropriate, if there is any discipline or punishment, should probably only be given if it is in accordance with the law,” she added.

Castro noted that if this was not an isolated case and there are others who are also engaged in the same activities, she said the government will respond.