'Totoy' refuses to apologize to retired general he linked to sabungeros' disappearances

MANILA — Whistleblower Julie Patidongan is standing firm on his claims against retired police general Jonnel Estomo, saying he will not issue a public apology for linking to Atong Ang and the missing "sabungeros" or cockfight enthusiasts.

Patidongan, a former aide of gambling tycoon Ang, was in the headlines again this week when he named Estomo and other police officers during a press conference held at the National Police Commission on Monday, July 14.

He claimed the former general is a member of the so-called “Alpha group” at the head of Ang’s gambling operations.

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

According to Patidongan, Estomo was not only involved in the group but also allegedly encouraged Ang to have him killed.

“Alpha miyembro nga sila ng Alpha. Dahil sa ano… tatlo silang may-ari,” Patidongan asserted during an interview.

(He is really a member of the Alpha group. Three of them are owners)

He said he would not seek Estomo's forgiveness , adding the former police general should stop denying his involvement.

Estomo has categorically denied all of Patidongan’s accusations. He also said he has no personal or professional ties to Ang, whom he said he has only met once.

Estomo also called on Patidongan to publicly retract his statements and apologize.

But Patidongan countered, saying he personally knows Estomo from their past connections through Ang’s now-defunct Meridian jueteng operations.

“Kilala ko na siya. Sa Meridian palang magkasama sila ni nila ni Lito Guera. Para alam niya lang,” he said, challenging Estomo to take a lie detector test to determine who is telling the truth.

(I know him. Even back in Meridian when he was with Lito Guera. just so he knows)

He also said that Estomo held a cockfighting derby at Guera's farm on January 28, 2023.

Whistleblower: 30 other people involved in missing sabungeros case

He also questioned Estomo’s claim of only meeting Ang recently and for the first time.

“Bakit ka nakipagkita kay Mr. Atong Ang kung hindi niya kilala si Mr. Atong Ang?” he said.

(Why would you meet with Atong Ang if you do not know him?)

PATIDONGAN TO FILE AFFIDAVIT

Patidongan said he plans to name Estomo and other alleged members of the Alpha group in an affidavit he intends to file next week.

“Ah sabihan mo General Estomo, colonel ka pa lang, kilala ka na ni Dondon. Para alam niya lang,” he added.

(Tell General Estomo that Dondon says he knows you from when you were still a colonel. Just so he knows)

ABS-CBN News is still trying to get fresh statement from Estomo on Patidongan’s latest remarks.

Estomo previosuly said he would pursue legal action if his name is included in any official affidavit submitted by the whistleblower.

“Aantayin ko lang ’yung kanyang affidavit. Kung nandoon talaga ‘yung pangalan ko sa affidavit, then I’ll file appropriate charges against him,” he said.

(I will just wait for his affidavit. If my name really is there, then I’ll file appropriate charges against him)