Gretchen Barretto camp denies hand in ‘missing sabungeros’ case

Metro Manila, Philippines - The camp of actress Gretchen Barretto has denied that she was involved in the disappearance of at least 30 cockfight enthusiasts or sabungero after a suspect-witness tagged her in the case.

Barretto’s lawyer, Alma Mallonga, said Barretto was just an investor at Pitmaster, a former online cockfight platform owned by gaming businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.

Suspect-witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan earlier linked Barretto in the disappearance case along with Ang.

Mallonga said the supposed whistleblower’s speculations of the actress’ involvement was because of her close connection with Ang.

“She attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances. The proposition is so absurd, it is plain invention,” the lawyer said in a statement on Friday, July 4.

“Ms. Barretto regrets that she is being crucified without basis, and has become the subject of unsavory speculation based on rumor,” Mallonga said.

She said Barretto confirmed an attempt to extort her to spare her from being named as a suspect. But she refused as “she had done nothing wrong.”

The actress assured her cooperation in the investigation, noting that the cockfight enthusiasts and their families deserve to know the truth.

Ang earlier refuted the allegations against him and filed complaints against Patidongan and another former employee.

The Department of Justice included Ang and Barretto in the list of suspects after Patidongan linked them in the case.