Daven Tamayo

Retired general says apology not enough, 'Totoy' must retract allegation

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

MANILA — Retired Police Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said Thursday he is not ready to accept the apology of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” for linking him to the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts.In a phone interview, Estomo admitted feeling deeply hurt after being dragged into the controversy.“Aantayin ko lang &#x27;yung kanyang affidavit. Kung nandoon talaga &#x27;yung pangalan ko sa affidavit, then I&#x27;ll file appropriate charges against him,” he added.(I will just wait for his affidavit. If my name is there, I&#x27;ll file appropriate charges against him)According to Estomo, Patidongan’s apology aired in a radio interview is not enough and that the whistleblower must retract the allegation.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/15/retired-cop-denies-alleged-involvement-in-missing-sabungeros-case-1459">Retired police general denies involvement in missing sabungeros case, prepares legal action vs whistleblower </a></div>“Kung gusto talaga niyang mapatawad ko o ma-accept ko &#x27;yung kanyang apology eh magpa-interview siya ulit at bawiin niya &#x27;yung mga sinasabi niya [na] ako&#x27;y member ng Alpha Group. Bawiin niya po,” Estomo said.(If he really wants to make amends, he must give another interview retracting his claim that I am a member of the Alpha Group. He has to withdraw that)Estomo emphasized that he does not know Patidongan personally and has never encountered or spoken to him.He also admitted having met gambling operator Charlie “Atong” Ang once but denied any close ties.&quot;Kasi siyempre ang feeling ko masyado siyang mataas. Kaya doon lang tayo sa mga &#x27;yung mga ka-level ko lang,” he said.(Of course, because I think he is on a higher level than I am. I just stick to those on my level)The retired general maintained that unless Patidongan publicly retracts his statements, his legal team will proceed with filing charges.“Iyan nga ang hindi ko maintindihan... Maaring siya kilala niya ako. Pero ang hindi ko maintindihan, bakit niya ako sinasangkot?” he said.(I really do not understand... He may know me but I don&#x27;t understand why he is dragging me into this)

Retired Police Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said Thursday he is not ready to accept the apology of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” for linking him to the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts.

Retired Police Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said Thursday he is not ready to accept the apology of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” for linking him to the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts.