04-07-2025
Gretchen Barretto denies alleged involvement in missing sabungeros case
A day after she was tagged as a suspect in the case of the missing cockfight enthusiasts, former actress Gretchen Barretto on Friday denied allegations that she is involved in their disappearance.
Atty. Alma Mallonga, Barretto's legal counsel, said her client was merely one of the 20 investors, categorized as alpha members, in e-sabong operations.
'She attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances. The proposition is so absurd, it is a plain invention,' Mallonga said.
On Thursday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said she and businessman Atong Ang are now considered suspects in the case and must be investigated.
This developed after Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, alyas Totoy, tagged Ang as the mastermind behind the abductions. Patidongan, who claimed to be a security chief in Ang's farms and cockfight arenas, also linked Barretto to the disappearances.
Ang maintained his innocence. He said Patidongan and another former employee threatened to implicate him in the missing sabungeros case if he refused to give them P300 million.
Barretto said there was a similar threat and extortion attempt against her, according to Mallonga.
Mallonga said Barretto will fully cooperate with authorities in the investigation.
'Ms. Barretto awaits the result of the investigation and will fully cooperate in the process. This is her priority. In the meantime she beseeches the authorities to be fair and thorough, and for the public not to rush to judgment,' she said.
'In the end, Ms. Barretto trusts that an objective investigation will prove her lack of involvement in the case and the unfairness and falsity of the accusations against her,' she added. —Joahna Lei Casilao/AOL, GMA Integrated News
