Quezon City: The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Thursday clarified that the case involving a police officer, who faces criminal and administrative charges due to his social media posts regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte, is an isolated incident.
According to Philippines News Agency, Napolcom Commissioner Ralph Vicente Calinisan emphasized that the actions of Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas do not reflect the behavior of the entire Philippine National Police (PNP), which comprises 225,000 members. Calinisan stated, “The entire institution of the Philippine National Police should not be dragged down just because of one person and this one person is sick and has a medical condition. He is different, he needs help, he is not fit to become a policeman.”
Fontillas has been known to exhibit a history of disturbing behavior, including a short temper and mood swings, for which he received medication in 2023. Calinisan highlighted the importance of annual neuropsychiatric tests for all police personnel, noting, “The fitness of one police officer is very important and it is clear that Fontillas is not fit to wear that police uniform.”
Calinisan assured that Napolcom is committed to ensuring that only those fit for duty will don the police uniform and serve the Filipino public. Despite being asked to undergo a ‘special medical evaluation’ in February due to erratic behavior, Fontillas failed to comply, as revealed by Calinisan.
The evaluation was not a regular neuro exam but was specifically prompted by concerns from Fontillas’ superiors, who had written to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) health office to investigate potential issues due to his behavior. Fontillas faces charges of grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and two counts of less grave neglect of duty, all of which have been referred to Napolcom.
Quezon City Police District Director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. disclosed on Wednesday that Fontillas has been marked as absent without official leave since March 6. Additionally, Fontillas’ firearm was recalled on February 26 because he was scheduled for a psychiatric examination, which he failed to attend.
