MANILA – Five officers from the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) filed a complaint on Friday before the National Police Commission (Napolcom), accusing their former superior, Col. Rommel Casanova Estolano, of bribery and corruption related to a police operation in June.

Lt. Adolfo Mendoza, PSMS Aladin Orale, PSMS Ronnie Vergoles, PMSG Krizzia Barola, and Pat. Arnel Fontillas Jr. allege that Estolano accepted at least PHP7 million in bribes to protect a high-profile suspect and influenced criminal cases in his favor.

The officers charged Estolano with grave misconduct, dishonesty, neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, urging his immediate dismissal to restore public confidence in the PNP.

At a press conference held at Napolcom headquarters in Quezon City, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan assured that due process will be observed in the investigation. "Their complaint will be reviewed by Napolcom's Inspection Monitoring and Investigation Service. Should it warrant further action, Col. Estolano will be held accountable accordingly," Calinisan explained.

The complaint follows a June 13 incident when Mendoza, Orale, and Vergoles apprehended J.J. Javier and his driver in Parañaque City for vehicle violations. The subsequent search uncovered a Glock 19 Gen5 pistol, live ammunition, bulletproof vests, and a C4 explosive device.

Orale recounted how it took several hours to bring the uncooperative suspect to Camp Crame for processing. The case was then referred to Estolano, who allegedly intervened, citing a personal connection with Javier from his time with the Calabarzon police.

"He even reprimanded me, asking 'Where is JJ?' When I said he was at the investigation section, Estolano went and personally escorted Javier into his office," Orale recalled.

Though prosecutors found probable cause to indict Javier on charges related to illegal firearms and explosives, the complainants assert that Estolano engaged in multiple corrupt acts to shield Javier, including orchestrating bribes from Javier’s lawyer:

• PHP2 million to dismiss a Parañaque case
• PHP1 million for special privileges during detention, including temporary releases
• PHP4 million to weaken charges in Quezon City

The officers also alleged that Estolano retaliated by filing charges against them when they resisted orders to drop Javier’s cases. They argue 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 for Public Officials.

In response, Estolano claimed the arrest warrant against Javier had already been recalled, stating, "The truth is the complainants have nowhere to run but Napolcom because the warrant of arrest had been recalled, yet they insisted on serving it."

The Napolcom will determine whether formal charges will be filed as the investigation proceeds.