NAPOLCOM files raps vs ex-HPG official over alleged P7-M bribery, case-fixing scheme

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) filed Thursday administrative charges against a former senior police official of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) for allegedly receiving P7 million in bribes to protect a high-profile detainee and manipulate criminal cases.

“Ito yung HPG case na kung saan kakasuhan ang isang Police Colonel Rommel Casanova Estolano. Ito yung matatandaan natin, merong ilang mga pulis din na nag-file ng kaso dito sa NAPOLCOM,” NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Ralph Calinisan said at a press conference right before the filing.

(This is the HPG case where Police Colonel Rommel Casanova Estolano will be charged. To recall, there were some police officers who have filed complaints here at NAPOLCOM.)

Estolano was the former HPG Special Operations Division (SOD) chief.

“Ang [Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service] natin ngayon magfa-file ng formal charge for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer laban kay Colonel Estolano,” Calinisan said.

(Our Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service will now file a formal charge for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against Colonel Estolano.)

GMA Integrated News earlier asked Estolano for his comment about the allegations against him but the police officer said he would rather answer them at the NAPOLCOM, according to a report of Emil Sumangil on 24 Oras last August 23.

Anti-carnapping, patrol operation

The charges stemmed from an anti-carnapping and patrol operation conducted on June 13 across Metro Manila and Calabarzon. The complainants arrested a wanted man and his companion in Parañaque City.

The arrest yielded a Glock 19 Gen5 pistol, live ammunition, bulletproof vests, and a C4 explosive device. Prosecutors later found probable cause to indict the wanted man for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

"Instead of upholding the case, however, the officers claimed Estolano engaged in 'a series of illegal and corrupt acts' designed to shield [the wanted man] from prosecution while punishing those who resisted his directives," the NAPOLCOM said.

Based on the complainants' affidavit, a lawyer of the wanted man allegedly facilitated three major bribe transactions with Estolano:

• P2-million "Parañaque bribe" to secure the dismissal of a prior case in Parañaque City
• P1-million payoff for privileged treatment, which reportedly allowed the wanted man to enjoy special favors while in detention, including temporary release
• P4-million "Quezon City bribe" to weaken complaints for violations of the firearms and explosives laws by suppressing key evidence, particularly the recovered C4 explosive

According to the complainants, Estolano also allegedly filed retaliatory charges against them after they refused his order to drop the wanted man's cases.

They said Estolano's acts constitute 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. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News