Quezon City: Five administrative charges have been filed against the police officer earlier charged with inciting to sedition for his social media posts in connection with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing held in Camp Karingal, QCPD Director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. stated that Pat. Francis Steve Fontillas was charged with grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and two counts of less grave neglect of duty, which were already referred to the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

Buslig explained that the grave misconduct charge is related to 'any act that constitutes a crime punishable under the Revised Penal Code', while the charge for conduct unbecoming of a police officer is linked to 'any act [that] seriously compromises his character and standing in the PNP.' The two cases of less grave neglect of duty arose from Fontillas' non-compliance with 'any lawful order or instruction of a superior office' and 'willful' violation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) guidelines on social media use.

Additionally, a fifth administrative case for less grave neglect of duty against Fontillas was referred to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). Buslig noted that Fontillas had been considered absent without official leave (AWOL) since March 6, despite Fontillas claiming in another Facebook post that he was on a leave of absence.

Buslig highlighted that Fontillas applied for leave from March 6 to March 19, but the documentation showed neither approval nor disapproval. "His leave was not processed because of lacking requirements," Buslig clarified. Fontillas' firearm was recalled on February 26 as he was scheduled for a psychiatric examination, which he did not attend.

The police officer has a history of concerning behavior, including a short temper and mood swings, for which he underwent medication in 2023. Buslig confirmed that their investigation revealed Fontillas was responsible for social media pages that "incited unrest and hurtful action against the government."

Buslig added that some of Fontillas' posts were made while he was in police uniform, directly violating PNP regulations. The QCPD's Criminal Investigation Detective Unit (CIDU) has already communicated with Facebook to take down Fontillas' account.