Five Officers Accuse Former SOD Chief of Bribery
Five Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) officers have filed a serious complaint against the former head of the Special Operations Division (SOD), alleging he accepted P7 million in bribes to fix a case involving an arrested suspect. This accusation sheds light on alleged corruption within the police force.
The complaint was officially lodged at the National Police Commission (Napolcom) office in Quezon City last Friday. The five officers, who are part of the PNP HPG, claimed that the former SOD chief manipulated the case for financial gain.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
Senior Master Sgt. Aladin Orale, one of the complainants, identified the respondent as former SOD chief Col. Rommel Estolano. Orale explained that the events unfolded during a June 13 operation in Parañaque City, where police stopped a man named “JJ Javier” for traffic violations.
“His auto had a blinker and the rear had no license plate. When we asked for his license, his OR/CR (official receipt and certificate of registration), he could not show it,” Orale said. Javier was then taken to the HPG headquarters at Camp Crame for further disposition.
Discovery of Illegal Items and Escalating Tensions
Orale recounted that upon learning of Javier’s detention, Estolano intervened, claiming Javier was a friend who had previously supported him. When Javier refused to surrender his car keys, Estolano reportedly broke the car window. Inside the vehicle, police found a C4 explosive device, a pistol, and live ammunition.
“He uses C4 for his land in Doña Remedios Trinidad. That is a land he managed to get in Bulacan, 700 hectares,” Orale revealed. The discovery raised serious concerns about Javier’s activities and connections.
Alleged Scams and Influence
Orale described Javier as a scammer with influence over certain police officers. According to him, Javier falsely used the name of the First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos, to scam a Cebu politician out of P500 million. This led to a Pasay court issuing an arrest warrant against Javier, although the officer did not provide further details on the case.
Bribery Accusations Against Estolano
The core of the complaint revolves around Estolano allegedly receiving P4 million to drop firearms and explosives charges against Javier in Quezon City, P2 million to dismiss disobedience charges in Parañaque, and P1 million for ensuring Javier’s special treatment and eventual release while in detention.
Orale said, “He was eating outside the jail. He was not detained at the time when he should’ve been. He was supposed to be wearing an SOD detainee shirt. He was still using his cellphone because of the order of our CO (commanding officer).”
He added that Estolano even allowed “hot babes” to be brought to the office for his fellow masons, indicating serious dereliction of duty.
Retaliation and Current Status
When the officers resisted Estolano’s alleged orders, the former SOD chief filed a complaint against Orale and four others before the Ombudsman, accusing them of grave misconduct, misfeasance, and arbitrary detention. Orale clarified that only three officers, including himself, were involved in Javier’s arrest, and the others were allegedly dragged into the case unfairly.
Currently, Estolano has no active assignment and is stationed at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit. Meanwhile, Javier and his driver remain detained at Quezon City Jail.
Next Steps in Investigation
The complainants formally charged Estolano with grave misconduct, dishonesty, dereliction of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the service. Napolcom Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan explained that the complaint will be evaluated by the agency’s Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service before deciding whether to file formal charges.
Calinisan also noted that Estolano will be summoned to present his side of the story during the investigation process. Officials reported that Estolano has yet to issue a public response regarding the allegations.
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