Napolcom dismisses patrolman for partisanship

Metro Manila, Philippines - The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has dismissed a police officer for airing his political stance on social media, it said on Thursday, May 8.

Napolcom found Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas, who aired his dismay over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, guilty of grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and disloyalty to the government.

The commission also issued a penalty of perpetual disqualification from public service.

“While our core mission includes the morale and welfare of our policemen, we will go hard against rogue cops who would tarnish the uniform and erode the public trust," Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan said in a statement.

Calinisan noted that while Fontillas has resigned, the commission has jurisdiction over him as he was charged in the Napolcom before he stepped down.

The commissioner warned police officers to remain apolitical.

"With the midterm elections drawing near, let this case against Fontillas serve as NAPOLCOM's stern warning to any policeman who involves himself in any political activity," he said.

The Quezon City Police District has also filed a sedition complaint against Fontillas.