MANILA — Former police patrolman and outspoken vlogger Francis Steve Fontillas has been arrested following a series of viral social media posts attacking the Philippine government and its leaders.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confirmed the 31-year-old was arrested Monday under a warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 224 on charges of inciting to sedition under the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Bail was set at ₱36,000.
The case stems from Facebook videos Fontillas posted from March 12 to 13, where he allegedly threatened to overthrow the government and challenged the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Interpol, while donning a police uniform.
“These posts caused unrest in the community,” the NCRPO said, noting their rapid spread online.
Fontillas’ remarks came amid outrage over the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces crimes against humanity charges before the ICC. In the videos, Fontillas vowed to “wage war” against international law enforcement if they attempted to touch Duterte, and claimed he could arrest President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. once he leaves office.
Fontillas, who left the police force before turning to social media commentary, claimed his videos were merely personal opinions and not intended to incite sedition.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III downplayed the arrest, calling Fontillas “an aberration” and an isolated case.
“He’s just one person out of 220,000. He doesn’t represent the PNP,” Torre stated, dismissing concerns about Fontillas having a broader following within the force.
Charges have been officially filed by the Quezon City Police District, and the investigation continues.
