RETIRED Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo denied on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, his alleged involvement in the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).
In a statement, Estomo said his lawyers are now preparing for the filing of complaints against Julie Patidongan, the accused-turned-whistleblower in the missing sabungero case.
(I categorically deny any involvement in any manner, and I will present evidence to clear my name, because linking my name to this has no sufficient proof. While I will not preempt any investigation, I believe that only the truth — not words from others — should prevail in the pursuit of justice.)
“I am ready to answer any allegations at the proper forum to clear my name. I have faith in the impartial justice system and due process of the law,” he added.
In a press conference on Monday, July 14, 2025, Patidongan said Estomo is a member of the “Alpha Group,” which he earlier tagged as the brains in the abduction and killing of the missing sabungeros who are accused of cheating in cockfighting games.
“Si General Estomo siya ay miyembro ng Alpha na labas ang pangalan niya pero ang nakalagay doon ay Mayor Bernie Tapoy. Yun ang lantad na pangalan. Si General Estomo isa yan sa nag-uudyok kay Atong Ang na ‘Boss patayin mo na si Dondon Patidongan’ para matapos na ang problema mo na yan…kasama siya sa alpha [group]. Pag sinabi na alpha ay kasama s'ya sa hatian na tig P70 million. Tatlo silang grupo na hati hati sa P70 million,” he said.
(General Estomo is a member of Alpha, but his name does not appear publicly; instead, the name listed is Mayor Bernie Tapoy. That’s the name being used openly. General Estomo is one of those allegedly pushing Atong Ang, saying, ‘Boss, have Dondon Patidongan killed so your problem will finally be over.’ He is part of the Alpha group. When you say Alpha, it means he’s included in the group sharing the P70 million. There are three groups dividing the P70 million among themselves.)
The Alpha Group, according to Patidongan, is headed by businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, the owner of the cockfighting arenas and farms where the victims were last seen before they went missing.
Estomo formerly headed the PNP's Anti-Kidnapping Group and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
He later became the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) number three top official, or as deputy chief for Operations before he was named as the commander of the Area Police Command-Southern Luzon.
On July 14, Patidongan, the head of security of Ang’s farms and arenas in Lipa, Batangas, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and Sta. Ana, Manila, filed administrative complaints against 12 police personnel allegedly involved in the abduction and the dumping of the bodies of the missing sabungeros at the Taal Lake. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)