THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) has ordered the dismissal of a police officer who aired his grievances and criticized President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s government on social media over the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement, Napolcom Vice Chairperson Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the commission voted unanimously for the dismissal of Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas after he was found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer and disloyalty to the government.
The Napolcom also meted out the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public service against Fontillas.
Fontillas earlier resigned from the service, but Calinisan explained that he remained under the jurisdiction of the commission since he was charged before he quit.
“With a strong commitment, under my watch, our policemen will serve and protect the people. 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,” said Calinisan.
“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. Again, strictly no politics in the uniformed service,” he added.
The complaints against Fontillas stemmed from his social media posts where he expressed his displeasure to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the administration of Marcos over the “wrongful” arrest of Duterte.
He also threatened to overthrow the government.
Fontillas earlier underwent a neuropsychiatric examination. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)