MANILA — A retired senior police officer is now at the center of an investigation into the disappearance and alleged murder of dozens of cockfight enthusiasts, with accusations linking him to a bloody underground network within law enforcement.

Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias “Totoy,” dropped explosive claims Monday in testimony before the Philippine National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), naming retired Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, former chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), as one of a dozen officers tied to a gruesome hit operation.

“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,’” Patidongan said.

According to Patidongan, Estomo and other senior police officers were receiving a monthly cut — around ₱70 million — from illegal gambling operations. The haul was allegedly split among three “Alpha” 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,” he added.

Patidongan said he learned of the plot against him from gambling boss Charlie “Atong” Ang, whom he claims served as the financier and coordinator for the hit squad.

“I only spoke up when they planned to kill my family, too,” Patidongan said, breaking down during his testimony. “They were going to wipe us all out.”

‘Executed, Dumped in Lake’

Patidongan named at least 12 police officers, both active and inactive, who he says abducted and executed missing cockfighting enthusiasts — their bodies reportedly dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas province.

The named officers include:

• PCol. Jacinto Malinao Jr. (Visayas);
• PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa (Highway Patrol Group);
• PMaj. Mark Philip Almedilla (Cavite HPG);
• PEMS Aaron Ezrah Cabillan (HPG);
• PCMS Arturo dela Cruz Jr. (Cavite HPG);
• PSMS Adelson Olosco Amarin;
• PSMS Joey Encarnacion (Cavite HPG);
• PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique (HPG);
• PSMS Reynand Fulgencio;
• PSSgt. Alfredo Andres (Cavite HPG);
• PCpl. Angel Joseph Martin (Cavite HPG).
• PCSO Chairman accused of “fixing cases”

Patidongan accused Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman and former Regional Trial Court judge Felix Reyes of “fixing” court cases involving Atong Ang’s men — giving the shadow network judicial cover.

Cops Push Back

Estomo, the most senior name implicated, swiftly denied the allegations.

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

“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,” Estomo added.

“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,” he stressed.

The active police officers named in the complaint denied the accusations, firmly rejecting Patidongan’s claims as “baseless.”

Philippines Defense Forces Forum