Former Police Officer Arrested on Sedition Charges over Social Media Posts

Strategic Insights -

A former police officer was arrested in Quezon City on Monday afternoon on sedition charges over his social media posts following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Francis Steve Fontillas, a former cop who had been absent without official leave since March, was apprehended by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) for inciting to sedition in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act 10175). The QCPD alleged that Fontillas' social media post threatened to start a war if the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Interpol laid a finger on former President Duterte.

Key Takeaways:

  • Francis Steve Fontillas, a former police officer, was arrested on Monday afternoon in Quezon City on sedition charges for his social media posts following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
  • The QCPD filed a complaint against Fontillas in March for violating Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code, which defines the crime of inciting to sedition, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
  • The National Police Commission had dismissed Fontillas from his post in May for grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and disloyalty to the government.
  • PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III stated that there is no need to issue a warning against any PNP personnel, as Fontillas was the only cop who threatened to cause war.
  • Fontillas was assigned to the District Personnel and Holding Admin Section but had been absent without official leave since March.
  • The search warrant was issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 224 Zita Marie Atienza-Fajardo, who set bail at P36,000.

Statistics:

  • 220,000: The number of PNP personnel, according to PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
  • P34,000: The bail set by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 224 Zita Marie Atienza-Fajardo for Fontillas' temporary liberty.
  • March: The month when Fontillas was reported to have been absent without official leave from his post.
  • May: The month when the National Police Commission dismissed Fontillas from his post.

Sources:

  • "Cop faces sedition rap for social media posts on Duterte's arrest" (The Philippine Star)
  • "Napolcom dismisses vlogger-cop who threatened ICC, Interpol" (The Philippine Star)
  • Quezon City Police District (QCPD) initial report sent to the media on Tuesday
  • Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 224 decision granting the search warrant for Fontillas' arrest.