Police Officer Faces Sedition Charges Over Duterte Arrest Posts
PRO-DUTERTE – The Quezon City Police District has filed an inciting to sedition case against Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas for violating Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The charges stem from Fontillas’ social media posts opposing the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. His online statements caught the attention of authorities, leading to an official investigation.
National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan confirmed that he ordered both an investigation and the filing of administrative charges against Fontillas. He emphasized that the police force must remain neutral and avoid engaging in political matters.
“The uniformed service must be forever apolitical. The PNP’s primary function is to ensure public safety, enforce the law, and serve and protect the people,” Calinisan stated.
He added that Fontillas’ social media activities violated the Philippine National Police’s Code of Ethics and its guidelines on personnel behavior. Authorities stressed that police officers must uphold professionalism and refrain from making public statements that could undermine the institution’s impartiality.
To recall, Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities based on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign.
Duterte is currently detained at the United Nations Detention Unit in Scheveningen Prison, often referred to as the “Hague Hilton.” This facility is known for its humane conditions, providing detainees with amenities such as a library, gym, and private cells with en-suite facilities. The ICC has scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for former President Rodrigo Duterte on September 23, 2025.
On the other hand, the ICC has identified nine individuals as co-perpetrators in Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. This information was disclosed in an arrest warrant application made public on the ICC’s website, though the names were redacted for security reasons. However, some figures were identified, including Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief who led “Oplan Tokhang.” Vice President Sara Duterte was also mentioned due to her connection with her father, having served as Davao City mayor while Duterte was vice mayor.