Cop slapped with sedition raps over anti-BBM vlog

Authorities reported on Tuesday that a police officer in Quezon City is facing sedition charges for social media posts related to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced that Patrolman Francis Steve Tallion Fontillas was charged Monday with inciting to sedition under the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

According to the QCPD, Fontillas, in vlogs uploaded to his Facebook page “Fonts Stv Vlogs,” criticized President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and top police officials, including Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and made threats against the ICC.

Records from the QCPD’s personnel division show Fontillas has been assigned to the District Personnel and Holding Admin Section since 20 February but has been absent without official leave (AWOL) since 6 March.

QCPD acting director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. issued a reminder to all personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.

He also stressed that police officers must remain apolitical and non-partisan, refraining from posting unauthorized and biased content on social media.

Meantime, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said that Fontillas has a history of what she described as disturbing behavior, including a short temper and mood swings, and underwent medication in 2023.

She also disclosed that his application for sick leave on 4 March was disapproved because he failed to provide a medical certificate.

Fajardo said that Fontillas began posting vlogs and comments following reports of a potential arrest of the former president. She added that the QCPD director instructed him to report for duty, which he refused, claiming he would not return until his medical leave was over, despite its disapproval.

She added that the National Capital Region Police Office is considering placing Fontillas under restrictive custody due to his behavior and in addition to the sedition case and his refusal to report for duty, she cited that all of his actions have been documented.

Fontillas will also face administrative charges that could lead to dismissal, according to Fajardo.

PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, on the other hand, said the police organizations strictly adhere 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,” Marbil said.

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