Ex-NCRPO chief refutes alleged involvement in ‘missing sabungeros’ case

Metro Manila, Philippines - A former Metro Manila police chief refuted on Tuesday, July 15, his alleged involvement in the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts or “sabungeros.”

Suspect-witness Julie Patidongan implicated retired PLtGen Jonnel Estomo who, in turn, said he will present evidence to clear his name.

“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 said in a statement.

[Translation: Linking my name to the case has no sufficient proof, and while I won't get ahead of any investigation, I believe the truth - and not from others’ words - should be upheld in finding justice.]

“I have faith in the impartial justice system and due process of the law,” he said.

Estomo said his lawyers are preparing to file cases against Patidongan for supposedly tainting the retired cop’s reputation.

House quad-panel probe pushed

Meanwhile, Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. is pushing for a House inquiry into the disappearance and alleged killing of missing “sabungeros.”

Abante filed House Resolution 53 on Tuesday ordering the appropriate committee to conduct the investigation.

“The disappearance of the ‘missing sabungeros’ is no different from the extrajudicial killings in the fight against illegal drugs, a clear violation of human rights which is no longer just about gambling but about justice, accountability, the rule of law, and blatant disrespect of and disregard to the value and dignity of human life,” the resolution stated.

In a press briefing, Abante said the quad committee should be reconvened and assigned to investigate after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said there is a possible connection between the missing sabungeros case and the bloody war on drugs.

READ: Widen ‘missing sabungeros’ probe amid supposed link to drug war - Palace

“Very revealing 'yan,” said Abante, quad-committee co-chairperson. “Kung may koneksyon talaga 'yan sa war on drugs, dapat tuldukan na ng quad-comm itong scenario na ito.”

[Translation: That is very revealing. If there is indeed a connection with the war on drugs, the quad committee should have this resolved.]

“This is a modern horror story. For the very first time sa ating pagtalakay ng mga krimen na ganito, meron palang nangyayaring ganyan. Dapat lamang na isulong natin ang imbestigasyon tungkol dito,” he said.

[Translation: For the very first time in discussing crimes, it is just now that we knew about something like this. It is just right that we lobby for an investigation on this case.]

During the 19th Congress, the quad committee held hearings on the alleged extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war and illegal offshore gaming operations.

READ: House quad-panel recommends filing cases vs ex-Pres. Duterte, Go, Dela Rosa

Authorities have been searching the Taal Lake in Batangas, where remains of missing sabungeros were dumped, as claimed by Patidongan.

The search led to the retrieval of five sacks, which supposedly contained human and animal remains. A forensic exam is underway.

At least 30 cockfighters went missing from 2021 to 2022 for alleged cheating. Patidongan said the number of victims could reach up to 100.