'Viral cop' nabbed for sedition charges
'Viral cop' Francis Fontillas, who had some harsh words for the government in his vlog after the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been arrested by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) for charges of incitement to sedition.
According to a spot report from the NCRPO, Fontillas was nabbed at around 4 p.m. along Commonwealth, Quezon City on Monday through a warrant of arrest issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 224.
'[The] case is already in court… Wala na po sa PNP (It is no longer with the Philippine National Police),' said NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo.
Fontillas' bail was set at P36,000.
Cases of incitement to sedition were filed against Fontillas on March 18 following his criticism of Duterte's arrest, which he claimed was only his stand and an exercise of his freedom of expression.
In a previous post on his Facebook account, Fontillias 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.
Fontillas was dismissed from service for grave misconduct on May 8, 2025.
The PNP previously stressed its zero tolerance for political bias among its ranks and reminded personnel to remain apolitical and uphold the highest ethical standards in their official duties and personal conduct, including their presence on social media.
'PNP officers shall remain apolitical and non-partisan at all times and we must refrain from posting unauthorized and biased contents in social media and other communication platforms,' the Quezon City Police District said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
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