Ex-cop-turned-vlogger Francis Steve Fontillas arrested for inciting to sedition charges

• Former police patrolman and vlogger Francis Steve Fontillas was arrested on Monday under a warrant for inciting to sedition charges, related to social media posts critical of the government and police leadership

• The charges stemmed from alleged “seditious statements” on Facebook where Fontillas, while reportedly wearing a police uniform, threatened to destabilize the government and Interpol, causing “unrest in the community”

• Fontillas’ remarks reportedly followed news of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte, with Fontillas allegedly vowing “war” against the ICC and Interpol if they pursued the former president

• PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III described Fontillas’ actions as an “isolated case” and an “aberration” within the 220,000-strong police force, emphasizing the professionalism of the organization

Francis Steve Fontillas, a former police patrolman who has transitioned into online vlogging, was apprehended on Monday in connection with an inciting to sedition case.

The arrest follows a series of assertive social media posts he allegedly made, which were critical of both the government and the leadership within the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The arrest was carried out by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) by virtue of a warrant issued by Branch 224 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

Fontillas, 31, faces charges of inciting to sedition, specifically in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act No. 10175).

A bail amount of PHP36,000 has been recommended for his temporary liberty. Speaking on the matter, PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III affirmed the necessity of implementing the judicial order, stating, “He has a warrant, so the warrant has to be implemented.”

The complaint against Fontillas originates from statements he allegedly disseminated on Facebook between March 12 and 13. These posts, according to the NCRPO, contained “seditious statements” in which he purportedly threatened to destabilize the government and issued threats against international law enforcement body Interpol.

A significant aspect of these alleged online activities was that Fontillas appeared to be wearing a police uniform in the controversial postings, which subsequently went viral and, as stated by the NCRPO, “caused unrest in the community.”

The context of Fontillas’ alleged remarks reportedly stems from his strong reaction to developments concerning former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Specifically, his online commentaries were made after news surfaced regarding the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to proceed with its investigation into Duterte’s past administration’s “war on drug5” campaign.

Fontillas allegedly declared that he would initiate “war” against the ICC and Interpol if they were to “lay a finger” on the former president.

Additionally, he reportedly asserted that he possessed the capability to arrest current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. once Marcos’ term concludes, and publicly declared his refusal to obey any directives from the President or anyone else that he deemed “wrong.”

These statements led the Quezon City Police District to formally file the inciting to sedition charges.

PNP Chief Gen. Torre III characterized Fontillas’ actions as an isolated incident within the police organization.

He conveyed that Fontillas is considered “a very, very small exception—an aberration to the organization.”

Torre emphasized the professionalism of the 220,000-strong police force, asserting that Fontillas does not possess any significant following within the PNP.

Consequently, Torre stated that there was no perceived need to issue special warnings or reminders to personnel, as the PNP operates with an understanding of its professional duties.

In a prior interview with ABS-CBN News, Fontillas had asserted that his statements did not amount to inciting to sedition, contending that he was merely exercising his right to express his personal opinions regarding the developments surrounding former President Duterte’s legal situation.

The ongoing legal process will determine the validity of these claims and the culpability of the former law enforcement officer now turned online personality.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable to just about simply everyone.

It can be recalled that the ex-cop and controversial vlogger has been completely dismissed by NAPOLCOM for grave misconduct last May. The National Police Commission’s ruling also included the penalty of “perpetual disqualification from public service.” The commission recently came out with a unanimous decision on the case of Fontillas, basing their judgment on the online posts made by the police vlogger against the government. NAPOLCOM said that despite the resignation of Fontillas, the commission has already acquired jurisdiction before he left the force, hence its recent decision and ruling.

Last March, he was been placed under restrictive custody following his controversial statements on social media. He was slapped with administrative and criminal charges, including inciting to sedition, which was filed at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office. He was listed as Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) from March 6 to March 19 and underwent a neuropsychiatric examination upon his return to duty. Fontillas was identified in 2023 as having mood swing behavior, and it is currently being investigated if his condition has recurred.

Source: KAMI.com.gh