Retired Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo has denied any involvement in the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) case, noting that he is ready to face any investigation to clear his name.

In a statement, Estomo said he is preparing a legal offensive against whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who linked him to the controversial case. 

“I categorically deny my involvement in any manner, and I will present evidence to clear my name,” he said. 

While he respects the ongoing investigation, Estomo emphasized that justice should be based on facts, not unverified claims from others.

“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 (Because linking my name to the case lacks sufficient evidence, and while I won't get ahead of any investigation, I believe that only the truth—not mere words from others—should prevail in the pursuit of justice),” he said. 

On Monday, Patidongan named police officers directly involved in the abduction and transport of the missing sabungeros from cockfighting farms to Taal Lake.

He filed a complaint-affidavit before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) against several inactive and active police officers, naming Estomo as the highest-ranking official among those he accused.

Patidongan claimed Estomo is a member of the so-called "Alpha" group. 

“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 (General Estomo is a member of Alpha. He was one of those who urged Mr. Atong Ang, saying, ‘Boss, kill Dondon Patidongan so that your problem will be over,)” he alleged.

Patidongan further claimed that Alpha group members were receiving a monthly share of P70 million, supposedly split among three groups.

“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 (They got monthly payouts because they were Alpha. Estomo was included in the P70 million monthly share, which was divided among three groups),” he said.

Estomo has firmly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and malicious.

“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 (To Mr. Patidongan, for his smear campaign against my character and reputation, my lawyers are now preparing to file appropriate charges for these unfounded and malicious accusations),” Estomo said in a statement.