Former NCRPO Chief belies 'Dondon' statement, denies involvement in 'missing sabungeros' case

• Retired Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo firmly denied any involvement in the disappearance of several cockfighters
• Estomo said he will present evidence to clear his name and plans to file charges against whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan
• Patidongan submitted a complaint-affidavit accusing Estomo and 17 other police officers, claiming Estomo was part of a group called “Alpha” that allegedly received monthly shares from illegal activities
• Estomo stated there is no sufficient evidence linking him to the crime and stressed that only the truth should prevail in the investigation

Retired Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo, former head of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), denied any involvement in the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts.

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

Estomo added, “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.”

On Monday, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan filed a complaint-affidavit with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) accusing 18 active and former police officers of being involved in the case of the missing cockfighting players.

Patidongan claimed that Estomo was part of a group called “Alpha” involved in the disappearances, saying, “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.’”

He also added, “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.”

Estomo said he will file a case against Patidongan, stating, “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.”

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News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In a previous report by KAMI, a family of three was mercilessly shot and killed inside their store in Barangay Mallorca, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. Caught by CCTV, three men entered their store, closed the roll-up door, and shot the entire family to death. Before fleeing, one of the suspects even grabbed a bag and a mobile phone from the victim. In a report by Gary De Leon of TV 5's 'Frontline Pilipinas,' the family started getting threats after lending P1-M to one of the residents of their barangay; allegedly using the money for business.

In another viral local report, a 51-year-old public school teacher in Las Piñas City was stabbed multiple times by her own husband. According to the report of EJ Gomez in 'Unang Balita,' the 38-year-old suspect committed the crime inside the school's faculty room. Police authorities said the school has a security guard, but, being a familiar face in the school, the suspect managed to easily get in and out of the school. The suspect said he was there to talk to his wife and settle their misunderstanding, but unfortunately, it led to a big arguement.

Source: KAMI.com.gh