E-sabong whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan speaks before the families of the “missing sabungeros” during the “Justice for All Sabungeros” press conference at University Hotel in UP Diliman, Quezon City on July 14, 2025.

MANILA — Whistleblower Julie Patidongan stood firm on her revelations against retired Police General Jonnel Estomo, stating that she would not issue a public apology regarding her implication in the missing sabungeros issue.

“How can I apologize when I’ve done nothing wrong?” Patidongan said in an interview.

Patidongan clarified that she never directly accused Estomo of involvement in the missing sabungeros operations, as he was considered “submerged” or not officially listed in Pitmasters’ records.

She explained that Estomo was only part of a team in the Alpha Group and may not have been involved in overall decision-making.

Earlier, Estomo strongly denied Patidongan’s accusations and claimed he had no personal or professional ties to business tycoon Atong Ang.

He demanded a public apology and a retraction of the allegations from Patidongan.

Despite this, Patidongan challenged Estomo to take a lie detector test to determine who was telling the truth.

“I know him. He was with Lito Guera at Meridian. He should know,” Patidongan said.

She further questioned: “Why did he meet with Mr. Atong Ang if he claims not to know him?”

Patidongan is expected to file an affidavit next week naming Estomo and other alleged members of the Alpha Group.

Estomo, meanwhile, threatened legal action if his name appears in Patidongan’s official affidavit.

“I’ll wait for his affidavit. If my name is indeed included, then I’ll file appropriate charges against him,” Estomo stated.

University Hotel

The University Hotel is a modern accommodation often located near university campuses, designed to serve visiting scholars, students, and guests. Many such hotels have historical ties to academic institutions, providing a blend of convenience and intellectual ambiance. Some, like the University Hotel in Helsinki, occupy historic buildings, reflecting the heritage of their affiliated universities.

UP Diliman

The University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) is the flagship campus of the University of the Philippines System, established in 1949. Originally a suburban campus, it became the main campus after the devastation of UP Manila during World War II. Known for its iconic Oblation statue, sprawling academic oval, and vibrant student culture, it serves as a premier institution for higher education and research in the Philippines.

Quezon City

Quezon City is a planned city and one of the most populous urban areas in the Philippines, established in 1939 as the intended capital to replace Manila. Named after Manuel L. Quezon, the second Philippine president, it briefly served as the national capital from 1948 to 1976 before Manila was reinstated. Today, it is a major hub for government, education, and commerce, home to landmarks like the Quezon Memorial Circle and the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Pitmasters

“Pitmasters” refers to expert barbecue chefs, particularly in the American South, who specialize in slow-cooking meat over wood or charcoal pits. This tradition dates back to Indigenous and African American culinary practices, evolving over centuries into a celebrated cultural art form. Today, pitmasters are central to barbecue culture, preserving regional styles like Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork, and Memphis ribs.

Alpha Group

The Alpha Group (also known as *Spetsgruppa “A”* or *Alfa*) is an elite Russian special forces unit established in 1974 by the KGB to handle high-risk counterterrorism and hostage rescue missions. It gained international recognition during the 1979 Soviet-Afghan War and the 2002 Moscow theater siege. Known for its rigorous training and secrecy, Alpha Group remains one of Russia’s most formidable special operations units.

Meridian

The **Meridian** (or Prime Meridian) is the imaginary line of 0° longitude, established in 1851 at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. It serves as the global reference point for timekeeping and navigation, dividing the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The site is historically significant as the basis for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and international time zones.

Atong Ang

“Atong Ang” is not a widely recognized cultural site or place in historical or contemporary records. It may refer to a local or lesser-known location, or there could be a spelling or naming discrepancy. If you meant a specific site (e.g., Angkor in Cambodia or another similar name), please clarify for a more accurate summary.

For example, if referring to **Angkor Wat**:
“Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious monument in the world, built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire. Originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it later became a Buddhist site, symbolizing Cambodia’s cultural heritage.”

Let me know if you’d like details on a corrected or alternative term!

Lito Guera

“Lito Guera” does not appear to refer to a widely recognized cultural site or place. If you meant a specific location, monument, or cultural landmark, please provide additional details or clarify the name (e.g., correct spelling, country, or context). For example, if referring to *Lito Guevara* or a similar name, it might relate to a local figure or lesser-known site. Let me know how I can assist further!