QUEZON CITY — Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas has officially resigned from the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the filing of inciting to sedition charges against him due to his social media criticisms regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the Marcos administration.
Fontillas’ posts, which went viral online, condemned what he described as the “unjust arrest” of Duterte, prompting the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to take legal and administrative action.
According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was surprised by Fontillas’ remarks. Castro emphasized that uniformed personnel, especially members of the PNP, are expected to maintain impartiality and non-partisanship at all times. She stated that disciplinary measures were warranted to uphold the integrity of the institution.
In his defense, Fontillas insisted he was merely exercising his constitutional right to free speech. However, PNP officials maintained that his actions violated the organization’s core principle of political neutrality, warning that such behavior could erode public trust in law enforcement.
As investigations continue, Fontillas submitted his resignation and released a public farewell letter:
“Today I surrender my uniform, my badge, and my gun. I will leave the PNP for a moment and I will come back when the right time comes,” Fontillas wrote. “Yes, I will surrender my power as a police officer. But I will never surrender my power as one true brave fighter. I will fight for my right. I will fight for my freedom.”
He ended his message with a bold sign-off: “PATROLMAN FONTILLAS, SIGNING OFF!”
The case has stirred mixed reactions from the public, with some defending Fontillas’ right to speak out, while others insist that discipline and neutrality must prevail within the police force.
Authorities have assured the public that due process will be strictly followed as the case unfolds.
