MANILA — The embattled patrolman who sparked controversy over his social media rants criticizing the government and police officials has been placed under restrictive custody, a Philippine National Police (PNP) official said Tuesday. 

“Siya po ay kasalukuyang nakarestrictive custody pagkatapos ng mga naging pangyayari noong mga nakaraang linggo, kung saan nagpahayag po siya ng medyo, ika nga, hindi kanais-nais at mabibigat na pananalita sa kanyang social media account,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo noted.

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(He is currently under restrictive custody following recent events where he made, so to speak, inappropriate and heavy statements on his social media account.)

Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas is facing administrative complaints, including grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, on top of a criminal case for inciting to sedition filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.

Aside from his controversial remarks online, Fajardo said Fontillas was absent without leave (AWOL) from March 6 to 19. 

He reported for duty on March 20 but was ordered to undergo a neuropsychiatric examination to assess his mental fitness to remain in the police service.

“Napag-alaman natin na as early as 2023 ay nag-exhibit na po ng disturbing and erratic behavior itong pulis na ito. In fact, siya ay sumailalim sa mental examination, at ang kanyang naging findings ay may mood swing behavior," she said.

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(We learned that as early as 2023, this officer exhibited disturbing and erratic behavior. In fact, he underwent a mental examination, which found that he had mood swing behavior.)

"Dahil dito, siya po ay binigyan ng mga gamot. Tinitingnan natin ngayon kung bumalik ang kanyang kondisyon, na maaaring nakaapekto sa kanyang mga naging kilos nitong mga nakaraang araw,” Fajardo added.

(Because of this, he was given medication. We are now looking into whether his condition has returned, which may have influenced his recent actions.)  

In a recent Facebook post, Fontillas claimed he could not be charged due to his mental condition. However, he admitted that his salary had been withheld due to his AWOL status.

“Wala akong kaso at wala rin akong warrant of arrest. Hindi rin ako puwedeng kasuhan kasi may mood swings ako,” he said.

(I have no case, and I have no warrant of arrest. I also can't be charged because I have mood swings.)

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