Investigator Estomo requests an apology following association with the disappearance of cockfighters case
In the ongoing investigation of the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, known locally as sabungeros, in the Philippines, a new development has emerged. Retired Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo has demanded a public apology from Julie Patidongan, who linked him to the case.
On Monday, July 14, Patidongan accused Estomo of being a member of the "Alpha Group," a group allegedly headed by businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang. Estomo, however, has vehemently denied these allegations and threatened to sue Patidongan for maligning his name.
In an interview with reporters, Estomo expressed that linking him to the case of the missing sabungeros is the most painful thing for him. He stated that if his name is included in any affidavit related to the case, he will pursue criminal complaints against Patidongan.
Patidongan, who serves as the head of security at Ang's farms and arenas in Lipa, Batangas; Sta. Cruz, Laguna; and Sta. Ana, Manila, admitted in a radio interview on July 16 that she has no direct information on Estomo's alleged involvement in the sabungero case.
On the same day, July 17, 2025, Estomo demanded a public apology from Patidongan. If Patidongan wants to be forgiven, she must retract her statements about Estomo being a member of the alpha group and threatening to kill him, and complete her interview.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has committed to holding accountable any members of the alleged "alpha group," regardless of their positions, if concrete evidence is found.
Notably, Patidongan filed administrative complaints against 12 police personnel on July 14, alleging their involvement in the abduction and the dumping of the bodies of the missing sabungeros off Taal Lake. The identity of the missing sabungeros was not specified in the article.
As the investigation continues, Estomo maintains his innocence in the case of the missing sabungeros and is waiting for Patidongan's affidavit to determine if he will file charges against her.
- The Philippines' general news outlets have been covering the ongoing saga between Retired Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo and Julie Patidongan, as Estomo has demanded a public apology from Patidongan regarding allegations linking him to the Alpha Group, allegedly headed by Charlie "Atong" Ang, in Manila's politics and crime-and-justice sector.
- In an unusual turn of events, Patidongan, the head of security at Ang's farms and arenas in various locations across the Philippines, including Manila, admitted that she has no direct information on Estomo's supposed involvement in the mysterious disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, locally known as sabungeros.
- As the investigation progresses, the Philippines' Interior and Local Government Secretary, Jonvic Remulla, has publically stated his commitment to holding accountable any members of the alleged Alpha Group, regardless of their positions, if concrete evidence is uncovered during the investigation of the missing sabungeros case.
