Ex-NCRPO chief denies missing sabungero link, to file case vs Patidongan

Retired Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo on Tuesday denied allegations that he was involved in the case of the missing sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts.

“I categorically deny my involvement in any manner and I will present evidence to clear my name,” Estomo said in a statement. 

“Sapagkat ang pag-uugnay sa aking pangalan ay walang sapat na patunay, and while I won't get ahead of any investigation, naniniwala ako na dapat ang katotohanan lamang—at hindi sa salita na galing sa iba—ang mananaig sa paghahanap ng katarungan,” he added.

(Because the association of my name is not sufficiently proven, and while I won't get ahead of any investigation, I believe that only the truth—and not the words of others—should prevail in the search for justice.)

On Monday, whistleblower and one of the accused, Julie "Dondon" Patindongan, as well as the families of the missing sabungeros, filed a complaint-affidavit at the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) implicating 18 cops.

Patidongan said around 30 more inactive cops were also involved in the disappearance of the sabungeros.

Asked if there are involved police officers in higher ranks, Patidongan named Estomo and claimed that he is an "Alpha" member.

“Si General Estomo, siya ay miyembro ng Alpha. Yang si General Estomo, isa yan sa nag-udyok kay Mr. Atong Ang na ‘Boss, patayin mo na si Dondon Patidongan para matapos na yung problema mo na yan,’” Patidongan said.

(General Estomo is a member of Alpha. That General Estomo was one of the people who encouraged Mr. Atong Ang, saying, ‘Boss, kill Dondon Patidongan so that your problem will be over.’)

“May monthly yan sila kasi Alpha nga. Kapag sinabing Alpha kasama siya sa hatian na P70 million pero tatlo silang grupo siguro hati-hati sila sa P70 million a month,” he added.

(They received money monthly because they are Alpha. Alpha members are included in the P70 million share but there are three groups, maybe they share the P70 million a month.)

Estomo, however, denied this and said that Patidongan's claims are baseless.

“Para kay Ginoong Patidongan, sa kanyang ginawang paninira sa aking pagkatao at reputasyon, inihahanda na ng aking mga abogado ang kaukulang kaso sa malisyoso at walang batayang akusasyon sa akin,” Estomo said.

(And for Mr. Patidongan, for his defamation of my character and reputation, my lawyers are already preparing the appropriate case for the malicious and baseless accusations against me.)

A total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing from 2021 to 2022. According to the police, the missing personalities were kidnapped allegedly due to match fixing or cheating in the cockfighting games.

Patidongan claimed that the victims were already buried in Taal Lake.

He named businessman Atong Ang as a mastermind in the case and also linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. Both have denied the allegations. —VAL, GMA Integrated News