Marilyn Cahatol

Then PNP Major General Jonnel C. Estomo at the Senate hearing on the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, on April 19, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

SENATE-HEARING

Jeff Caparas

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175256154005620230419-degamo-senate-hearing-MD-7827.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false" style="text-align:left">Then PNP Major General Jonnel C. Estomo at the Senate hearing on the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, on April 19, 2023. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Retired police lieutenant general Jonnel Estomo on Tuesday denied any involvement in the case of the missing sabungeros and said he was ready to face any investigation and present evidence to clear his name.</p><p>This after whistleblower Julie Patidongan, alias &quot;Totoy,&quot; <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/14/whistleblower-files-admin-raps-vs-cops-tagged-in-missing-sabungeros-case-1509">tagged him</a> in the disappearances of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts. </p><p>Patidongan claimed Estomo urged the alleged mastermind, businessman <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/3/atong-ang-gretchen-barretto-now-suspects-in-missing-sabungeros-case-doj-1443">Charlie &quot;Atong&quot; Ang</a>, to kill him due to financial disputes.</p><p>“I categorically deny my involvement in any manner and I will present evidence to clear my name, sapagkat ang pag-uugnay sa aking pangalan ay walang sapat na patunay,” Estomo said in a statement.</p><p>While refraining from commenting further on ongoing investigations, the former police general stressed that truth—not mere allegations—should prevail in the pursuit of justice.</p><p>“I am ready to answer any allegations at the proper forum. I have faith in the impartial justice system and due process of the law,” he added.</p><p>Estomo said he would take legal action against Patidongan.</p><p>“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,” he said.</p><p>Ang has also denied the allegations. </p><p>Aside from Estomo, Patidongan accused 12 active police officers of involvement in the case. </p><p><strong></strong>The whistleblower filed administrative complaints against the officers before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday. </p><p>Those named in his complaint included a police colonel, a police lieutenant colonel, a police major, an executive master sergeant, a master sergeant, a senior master sergeant, a senior staff sergeant, two chief master sergeants, and a corporal.</p><p>National Police Commission Commissioner Rafael Calinisan told ANC that Patidongan could file more complaints related to the case. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/14/human-bones-found-in-taal-in-missing-sabungeros-search-pnp-1059">Human bones found in Taal in missing sabungeros search: PNP</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wUsi4fPrutk?si=fZ-9X_CBdkUyfN0f" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>Retired police lieutenant general Jonnel Estomo denied any involvement in the case of the missing sabungeros and said he was ready to face any investigation to clear his name.</p>

Retired police lieutenant general Jonnel Estomo denied any involvement in the case of the missing sabungeros and said he was ready to face any investigation to clear his name.

Retired police general denies involvement in missing sabungeros case, prepares legal action vs whistleblower

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Retired police general denies involvement in missing sabungeros case, prepares legal action vs whistleblower

Jeff Caparas,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 15, 2025 02:59 PM PHT

Read More:

Missing sabungero

Estomo

Napolcom

Atong Ang

Patidongan

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