Complaints vs police in disappearances

The whistleblower and families of the missing sabungeros filed a formal complaint-affidavit on Monday before the National Police Commission against 12 active police officers allegedly linked to the high-profile disappearances.

Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, one of the accused, turned whistleblower, joined the families in filing the complaint. 

In a press conference following the filing, Patidongan claimed the police officers were directly involved in the abduction and transport of the missing sabungeros from cockfighting farms to Taal Lake.

Patidongan alleged that a police colonel, reportedly connected to gaming businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, confiscated several of his personal belongings,  including 12 mobile devices, a cap, and his passport.

"Mayroong isang colonel d’yan na kumuha ng labing dalawa kong cellphone at isang cap at isang passport ko. Mamaya ko sasabihin ang pangalan pag nakapag-file na ako (There's a colonel who took my twelve cellphones, a cap, and my passport. I’ll reveal the name later once I’ve filed the complaint),” he told reporters. 

Patidongan named several police officers allegedly involved in the case. Among them was former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo.

Estomo was a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Tanglaw-Diwa’ Class of 1992. 

Born on November 25, 1968, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Estomo built a reputation as a respected combat officer with extensive field experience in both Mindanao and Luzon following his graduation from Fort del Pilar.

Throughout his career, he has held key operational and administrative roles and is widely regarded as a highly decorated police officer. Estomo has received numerous awards and commendations for efficiency, merit, and exemplary service in the line of duty.

In 2009, he served as chief of the Pangasinan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT), which was recognized as the Best Provincial CIDT during the 56th anniversary celebration of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

In 2024, Estomo was reassigned as commander of Area Police Command-Southern Luzon. 

Patidongan claimed that a high-ranking police general was the one who advised gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang to have him killed.

“Una, humihingi ako sa inyo ng pasensya at hindi ako magtagal dito dahil alam ko, ang mga demonyo, katulad ni Mr. Atong Ang, may mga tao na siyang pinapasundan ako (I want to apologize that I can’t stay long. Because I know that devils like Mr. Atong Ang have people following me),” he said.  

Other police officers named were PCol. Jacinto Malinao Jr., PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa, PMaj. Mark Philip Albadilla, Police Field Commander (PFC) Aaron Acabillan, Police Chief Master Sergeant (PCMS) Arturo Dela Cruz Jr.,Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Anderson Orosco Abale, PSMS Mark Anthony Madrique, Police Master Sergeant (PMS) Joey Encarnacion, Police Master Sergeant (PMSg) Reynan Policho, Police Staff Sergeant (PMSg) Alfredo Uy Andres, and Police Corporal Angel Joseph Martin.

During a Senate hearing in 2022, Orapa, the then-chief of the National Capital Region Police Office Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, was questioned by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs over his alleged ties to Ang. 

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who chaired the committee, revealed that the panel had received information suggesting that Orapa’s wife was a shareholder in POV Security Agency Inc., a company reportedly holding an active contract with the Pitmaster Group, a business enterprise associated with Ang.

"Hindi kaya ito'y reward ni Atong Ang sayo, sayong mga pabor na binigay mo sa kanya, ‘yung pagbigay sayo ng kontrata (Isn’t this a reward from Atong Ang for the favors you gave him—being granted that contract)?" dela Rosa asked Orapa.

Orapa denied the allegation, maintaining that the contract was obtained through legal means.

"No, your honor. This is a legitimate business, your honor. You have to apply or bid for such a contract to be rewarded or awarded to you. So, such allegation na sinasabing reward, hindi po, your honor (So, the claim that it was a reward is not true),” Orapa answered.