Viral cop’s admin cases to continue despite resignation —NAPOLCOM

The cop who went viral with his social media posts in response to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte will still have to face his administrative cases despite his resignation, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) said on Monday.

“(Patrolman Francis Steve) Fontillas' administrative case is up for deliberation and disposition by the NAPOLCOM this week,” NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan said in a statement.

“Even if he has opted to resign, our administrative cases against him continue,” he added.

The Quezon City Police District (QPCD) said that former Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas officially resigned from the Philippine National Police (PNP) effective April 10. His resignation was approved.

Calinisan said Fontillas was accorded due process and was given an opportunity to be heard.

“His day of reckoning is near. Resignation is no escape to administrative, even criminal, culpability. If dismissal is imposed on him, alongside is his perpetual disqualification to hold any government position,” he said.

NAPOLCOM earlier filed administrative cases for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against Fontillas. QCPD also filed a criminal complaint for inciting to sedition against the cop.

Fontanillas in a post on his Facebook account had 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.

(What I did was incite sedition? I only expressed my stand and my principles. Where's our right to freedom of expression now? How pitiful the Philippines is.)

Fontillas has been assigned to the District Personnel and Holding Admin Section since February 20, 2025 but has been absent without official leave (AWOL) since March 6.

The QCPD earlier said the cop had undergone medication in 2023 to manage his mental health “red flags.” Since then, Fontillas has been refusing a follow-up checkup and assessment.

He reported back to work on March 20.

“Pat. Fontillas reported to the QCPD yesterday, March 20, 2025. He was crying and extremely apologetic. Fontillas also promised not to post seditious comments and hate speech on his social media pages,” Calinisan earlier said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News