Patrolman faces sedition complaint over political posts

Metro Manila, Philippines - A patrolman venting political sentiments online is facing a sedition complaint, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

The Quezon City Police District filed the complaint against Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas for his “unauthorized and politically-charged” posts on social media about the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The PNP is a pillar of law and order, not a platform for personal or political agendas,” PNP chief PGen Rommel Marbil said on Monday, March 17.

“Let this serve as a warning - any police officer who undermines our core values of integrity, service, and professionalism will face the full force of the law. We will never allow partisan influence to erode public trust in the PNP,” he added.

The PNP reminded its personnel to “remain apolitical and uphold the highest ethical standards.”

Fontillas, assigned to the District Personnel and Holding Administration Section, has been absent without official leave since March 6, records showed.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.