Viral cop in anti-Marcos post faces more raps

MANILA, Philippines — More charges have been filed against a policeman who posted online his tirades against President Marcos following the arrest and turnover of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.

Apart from a sedition case, five administrative complaints have been filed against Pat. Francis Steve Fontillas by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

Grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer and two counts of less grave neglect of duty were referred to the National Police Commission, QCPD director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. said yesterday.

A less grave case for neglect of duty for absence without official leave was filed against Fontillas with the Metro Manila police office.

“We enforce zero tolerance for political bias. All police personnel must maintain professionalism in duty and personal conduct, including social media use,” Buslig said.

The QCPD has contacted tech giant Meta to take down Fontillas’ Facebook account.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Fontillas had not stopped posting tirades, with Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil as his latest target.

Speaking to reporters in a phone interview, Fontillas insisted the QCPD has no case against him. He said he never urged his over 47,000 social media followers to overthrow the government.

In a comment on social media, Fontillas said he would not resign from the police force, saying “we will use our power to overthrow the government if there are enough grounds.”

Fontillas denied the comment, saying it could have been edited.

Even if he is unqualified, Fontillas said he should be appointed PNP chief, claiming he can fix everything in the organization in three days.

Fontillas has yet to report for duty after being absent since March 6.

On Feb. 11, Fontillas was disarmed after refusing to undergo a neuro-psychiatric examination.

Fontillas has reportedly stopped using his prescribed medicines.

Based on the testimonies of his colleagues, Fontillas easily gets angry and agitated when stressed.

Col. Van Villamor, who heads the QCPD’s medical and dental unit, said Fontillas argued even with his superiors.