The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has officially dismissed Patrolman Francis Steve T. Fontillas from the police service after he threatened the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in a social media post following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement released Thursday, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vidente Calinisan confirmed the decision, noting that the commission’s en banc deliberations unanimously voted for Fontillas’ dismissal.
Fontillas, who was also permanently disqualified from public service, previously posted on his social media account: “To ICC and Interpol, don’t even lay your finger on our Tatay Digong or else we will start the war that you can’t even imagine. This is not a warning; this is a threat!”
Calinisan emphasized the importance of accountability in public service, stating, “While we wanted to be kind given Fontillas’ condition, the paramount interest of the Filipino People is what is at stake.”
Despite Fontillas claiming in an April social media post that he had resigned from the police force, Napolcom clarified that his resignation did not absolve him of responsibility. “Since Fontillas was already formally charged in the Napolcom before his resignation, the Napolcom already acquired jurisdiction over his person,” Calinisan explained.
The commission stressed that Fontillas cannot escape liability simply by resigning, ensuring that the appropriate disciplinary actions were enforced.