“Bernie” Tacoy
TACLOBAN CITY – Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernardino “Bernie” Tacoy has denied any involvement in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts (“sabungeros”) as he filed his counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with its ongoing probe into the high-profile case.
Tacoy, through his lawyer Gerenstein Banzon, submitted his response on September 17 to the subpoena issued by the DOJ. In a statement on Thursday (Sept. 18), the mayor expressed confidence the case would be resolved in his favor.
“We already submitted our counter-affidavit yesterday, Sept. 17. We are hopeful that this will be resolved in our favor,” Tacoy said.
Tacoy has been linked to the case by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” who alleged a connection between the mayor and retired Police General Jonnel Estomo. Tacoy, however, reiterated he has no direct ties to Estomo or any transactions related to cockfighting or game fowl breeding with the retired officer.
“I also have no personal knowledge regarding General Estomo’s involvement in the game fowl business,” Tacoy said, adding that any association with Estomo was limited to mutual acquaintances.
Other individuals issued subpoenas by the DOJ include businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and former actress Gretchen Barretto, who have both denied any involvement in the missing sabungeros controversy.
Tacoy, known in Eastern Visayas as a prominent game fowl breeder, admitted seeing Patidongan previously at Ang’s Batangas game fowl farm but said he only knew him as a caretaker at the time.
He described the accusations as “concerning,” stressing that his participation in the Alpha Group—a cockfighting community—was conducted “in good faith.”
The DOJ investigation into the missing sabungeros continues as authorities work to determine the circumstances behind the disappearances that have attracted national attention.(JOEY A. GABIETA)
