Quezon city: Five officers of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) have lodged a complaint against their former superior, Col. Rommel Casanova Estolano, at the National Police Commission (Napolcom) for alleged bribery. The officers, Lt. Adolfo Mendoza, PSMS Aladin Orale, PSMS Ronnie Vergoles, PMSG Krizzia Barola, and Pat. Arnel Fontillas Jr., claim that Estolano pocketed PHP7 million in bribes to protect a high-profile detainee during a police operation in June.
According to Philippines News Agency, the officers have accused Estolano of grave misconduct, dishonesty, dereliction of duty, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and acts prejudicial to the best interest of the service. They are seeking his immediate dismissal to restore integrity and public trust in the PNP. At a press briefing in Quezon City, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan assured that due process will be observed in evaluating the complaint against Estolano.
The incident in question occurred on June 13, when Mendoza, Orale, and Vergoles apprehended J.J. Javier and his driver in Para±aque City for vehicle-related violations. The arrest led to the discovery of a Glock 19 Gen5 pistol, live ammunition, bulletproof vests, and a C4 explosive device. Despite finding probable cause to indict Javier for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, the officers allege that Estolano engaged in illegal acts to protect Javier.
The officers claim that Javier's lawyer facilitated bribe transactions with Estolano, totaling PHP7 million, to manipulate legal outcomes in favor of Javier. These alleged transactions included PHP2 million to dismiss a case, PHP1 million for privileged treatment while in detention, and PHP4 million to weaken a separate complaint in Quezon City.
The complainants also accuse Estolano of filing retaliatory charges against them for refusing to comply with his directives to drop Javier's cases. They argue that these actions amount to bribery, obstruction of justice, malicious prosecution, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.
In response, Estolano stated that Javier's warrant of arrest had been recalled and suggested that the complainants turned to Napolcom as a last resort. He denied the allegations, asserting that the complainants were attempting to serve a recalled warrant.
