Former actress Gretchen Barretto has firmly denied any involvement in the mysterious disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, following claims that she was linked to the case.
In an exclusive interview with 24 Oras, Barretto’s legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, emphasized that the actress had no role in the disappearances. “We deny it. She denies it, categorically… Because the fact of the matter is wala siyang kinalaman doon, wala siyang ginawa, wala siyang sinabi that connects with the disappearance of the sabungeros,” she said.
Barretto was named by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who accused businessman Atong Ang of masterminding the abductions and claimed Barretto was present during a meeting where it was allegedly agreed that the “cheating” sabungeros should be dealt with. Patidongan, who identified himself as a former security chief for Ang’s operations, tied Barretto to the plot.
But Mallonga dismissed the claims as “plain invention,” saying Barretto was one of 20 e-sabong investors, referred to as alpha members, and never attended or approved any such meetings. “The proposition is so absurd,” she said.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier announced that Barretto and Ang are now considered suspects and should be investigated. Mallonga acknowledged the seriousness of the pronouncement but questioned the basis.
“I’m very confident na magkakaroon pa ng investigation… wala siyang nakitang ginawa o sinabi ni Ms. Gretchen Barretto,” Mallonga explained. “Ang espekulasyon ay hindi ebidensya.”
Ang, for his part, denied the allegations and accused Patidongan and another ex-employee of attempting to extort P300 million by threatening to implicate him. Barretto’s camp claimed a similar extortion attempt was made against her.
Mallonga questioned why Barretto was singled out among several e-sabong investors. “Bakit hindi yung mga ibang investors?… Kasi kilala siya at siguro mas pakikinggan yung whistleblower kung banggitin niya ang pangalan ni Ms. Gretchen Barretto,” she said.
As of now, no subpoena has been issued to Barretto, but she has expressed readiness to cooperate with the Department of Justice’s investigation. “She beseeches the authorities to be fair and thorough, and for the public not to rush to judgment,” her lawyer added.
Barretto continues to hope for a “thorough and objective investigation” to clear her name and bring clarity to the long-unsolved case.
