Ex-NCRPO chief denies role in missing sabungeros, eyes suit

Retired Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo denied he is involved in the kidnapping and disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros and vowed to file criminal cases against whistle-blower Julie Patidongan for dragging his name into the issue.

- By Emmanuel Tupas

Estomo, a former director of the National Capital Region Police Office, said he would not let Patidongan off the hook easily for besmirching his reputation.

"To Mr. Patidongan, for destroying my reputation, my lawyers are already preparing cases against these malicious and baseless accusations," Estomo said in a statement yesterday.

Patidongan, also known as Totoy, accused Estomo of advising businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang to have him killed.

Responding to Patidongan's allegations, Estomo said he is categorically denying involvement and vowed to present his own pieces of evidence to clear his name.

"I am ready to answer any allegations at the proper forum to clear my name. I have faith in the impartial justice system and due process of the law," he said.

Estomo said he respects calls for justice for the sabungeros and their bereaved families, but stressed that it should be based on the truth.

"While I won't get ahead of any investigation, I believe that it should only be the truth and not the words of just anybody - shall prevail in the search for justice," he said.