Viral cop dismissed from service for grave misconduct — Napolcom

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) said Thursday the cop who went viral due to his social media posts on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte has been dismissed from the service.

In a statement, Napolcom said the dismissal of Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas was a unanimous decision by the en banc during summary dismissal proceedings.

"During the NAPOLCOM En Banc Deliberations, Fontillas was found guilty of Grave Misconduct, Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer and also Disloyaty to the Government," NAPOLCOM said.

"Aside from Dismissal, the NAPOLCOM En Banc also metted out the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public service," it added.

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

"Fontillas' resignation did not stay the administrative and criminal cases filed against him,” NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan said.

"Since Fontillas was already formally charged in the NAPOLCOM before his resignation, the NAPOLCOM already acquired jurisdiction over his person. Thus, no matter what Fontillas claims, he cannot conveniently escape liability through resignation, and was thus made liable, as he should be,” he added.

The Napolcom earlier filed administrative cases for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against Fontillas. The QCPD also filed a criminal complaint against him for allegedly inciting to sedition.

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 inciting to sedition? Hahaha. Are you in your right senses? I only expressed my stand and my principles. Where's our right to freedom of expression now? I pity the Philippines.)

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.

He reported back to work on March 20.

The QCPD earlier said the cop had undergone medication treatment in 2023 to manage his mental health "red flags." Since then, Fontillas has been refusing a follow-up checkup and assessment. — VDV, GMA Integrated News