As investigations into the case of the missing sabungeros intensify, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known by the alias “Totoy,” claimed that businessman Atong Ang told him of former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief and PMGen. Jonnel Estomo’s involvement in the said case.
In an exclusive interview at DZRH’s Breaktime on Tuesday, July 15, Patidongan said it was Ang who informed him that Estomo had ordered him to be killed.
“Sa bibig niya mismo nanggaling ‘yan kasi itong si Mr. Atong Ang, magaling ito mangdamay ng tao. Kaya nasabi ko ‘yan dahil ang sinabi ni Mr. Atong Ang mismo, ‘magpasalamat ka nga dahil sinabihan ako ni PMGen. Estomo na ipapatay na kita para tapos na itong problema natin,’ sa bibig ni Mr. Atong Ang nanggaling ‘yan,” he said.
On Monday, Patidongan filed a complaint-affidavit before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and named the cops involved in the disappearance of the 34 missing sabungeros.
Estomo’s Response
Estomo released an official statement a day after Patidongan filed the complaint, denying any involvement in the matter.
“I categorically deny my involvement in any manner and I will present evidence to clear my name, 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,” Estomo’s statement read.
The former NCRPO Chief said he is ready to answer any allegations at the proper forum to clear his name. Moreover, Estomo highlighted his faith in the impartial justice system and due process of the law.
“At para kay Ginoong Patidongan, sa kanyang ginagawang paninira sa aking pagkatao at reputasyon, inihahanda na ng aking mga abogado ang kaukulang kaso sa malisyoso at walang batayang askusasyon sa akin,” Estomo wrote.
“Naniniwala ako na sa huli, ang katotohanan ay mangingibabaw!” it ended.
‘Nadala lang siguro ng emosyon’
Considering that Estomo is preparing to file a case on the allegations against him, Patidongan said during the interview that he will apologize to the former.
“Una, hihingi din ako ng apology dahil nanggagaling naman ang lahat ng kwento na ito kay Mr. Atong Ang. Dala lang siguro ng emosyon dahil sa galit ko kay Mr. Atong Ang dahil ganon siya ka tsismoso,” Patidongan emphasized.
Looking back on the case, Patidongan alleged that problems began to arise after Ang had ordered the implementation of changes during one of their meetings.
“Noong nagsimula itong [sabong], may mga mandaraya, tyope [dayaan], talagang isang shift lang ng meeting na sinabi ni Mr. Atong Ang, ‘kung hindi natin gagawin ‘to, babagsak yung negosyo natin,” he said.
