The police officer, who was charged with inciting to sedition over his viral social media posts about the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, is facing administrative cases filed by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas was charged with five administrative cases for going absent without official leave (AWOL) since March 6, 2025.
Among these cases include grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and three cases for less grave neglect of duty.
In a press conference on Wednesday, March 19, QCPD chief Police Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. said Fontillas filed a leave of absence from March 6-19 but it was not approved due to a lack of requirements.
Quezon City Police District Acting District Director PCOL Melecio Buslig Jr., speak during a press conference on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (Santi San Juan)
“Effective March 6 hindi na siya pumapasok so we filed AWOL sa kanya (Effective March 6, he did not go to work so we filed AWOL),” he said.
Fontillas’ reason for leave of absence is for medical examination but he failed to present a medical certificate.
Buslig also said that Fontillas must be in active service status before he can be placed under restrictive custody.
The QCPD director also said that Fontillas was originally scheduled to take his neuro-psychiatric examination last March 17, but he refused to take the said exam.
Fontillas showed up on the day of his examination but did not take the exam.
The neuro-psychiatric examination result will be the basis of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to decide if Fontillas is still fit as a police officer.
According to Police Lieutenant Col. (Dr.) Van Jason Villamor, Fontillas had undergone the neuro-psychiatric examination in 2023.
QCPD recalled Fontillas’ firearm on February 11, 2025 and advised him to take the exam.
Buslig said that he will personally talk to Fontillas once he goes back to work.
The patrolman has to accomplish the requirements to resume his active service status.
If Fontillas does not return to his duty after 30 days from March 6, he will be subjected to summary dismissal proceedings.
The QCPD filed a complaint on Monday, March 17, against Fontillas for violating Article 142 (Inciting to Sedition) of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
Meanwhile, the QCPD is coordinating with Facebook Philippines to turn down Fontilas’ page.