MANILA (UPDATE) — The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has filed charges of inciting to sedition in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act against a patrolman who made unauthorized and politically-charged social media posts in response to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Pulis na nagpost umano ng pambabatikos sa Marcos administration, kinasuhan ng QCPD

National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Rafael Vicente  Calinisan said he has ordered an investigation and the filing of administrative charges against Patrolman Francis Steve Tallion Fontillas for alleged “partisan activity” on social media.

“The uniformed service must be forever apolitical. The PNP's primary function is to ensure public safety, enforce the law, and serve and protect the people. They are not meant to take political sides,” Calinisan said in a statement.

The commissioner said Fontillas’ activity on social media violated the Primer on Personnel Decorum and the Code of Ethics of the Philippine National Police (PNP). 

“Worst, his posts are clearly malicious and criminal in nature as they are already inciting to sedition,”  he said.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the national police force has zero tolerance for political bias among its ranks, adding that the PNP is "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.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said police personnel have to remain apolitical and non-partisan, as statements of support or opposition towards someone must be restricted.

“The moment na pumasok ka po sa serbisyo, lalong lalo na po sa Philippine National Police, ay alam po natin na may mga certain na privileges and rights po natin na has to take a backseat kapag ang nakasalalay na po ay ‘yong ating serbisyo para sa greater majority,” Fajado told reporters in a telephone interview.

(The moment you enter the service, especially in the Philippine National Police, we know that certain privileges and rights of ours have to take a backseat when what is at stake is our service to the greater majority.)

WHAT HE SAID

In a Facebook live video, Fontanillas said he opposes Duterte's arrest, adding that he will never follow the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Fontanillas, however, claimed in an FB post that he filed a leave from March 6 to 19.

Calinisan said he has instructed the Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMS) to investigate and file administrative charges against Fontanillas.

“While admittedly, PNP personnel have rights to freedom of expression as guaranteed in our Constitution, these rights are limited by their obligation to maintain neutrality and avoid actions that could compromise public trust and undermine the public's perception of their impartiality,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Fajardo said Fontillas finally showed up at the NCRPO Headquarters on Monday to undergo neuropsychiatric evaluation, which is expected to continue until Tuesday, to assess his mental fitness to continue service. 

In a separate statement, the QCPD reminded all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.

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