Gretchen Barretto denies involvement in missing 'sabungeros' case
Gretchen Barretto has broken her silence after she and businessman Atong Ang were tagged as suspects in the missing sabungeros case.
The actress, through her legal counsel, Alma Mallonga, said that the allegations of Julie Aguilar "Dondon" Patidongan, alias Totoy, are based on suspicion. She said that he "maliciously speculates she must nonetheless somehow be involved because of her close connection with Mr. Atong Ang."
"He insists that Ms. Barretto, being an 'alpha member' of Pitmaster, must know everything that is happening. He has even changed his story, now characterizing Ms. Barretto as a 'mastermind' based on the suspicion and illogical reasoning," Mallonga said, referring to Pitmaster Foundation Inc. led by Ang.
Mallonga asserted that Barretto "has no relevant knowledge" about the disappearances.
"She did not operate the sabungan, had no participation in e-sabong operations that was suspended more than two years ago, and was merely an investor in the business (one of about 20 investors categorized as alpha members)," Mallonga said.
"She attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances. The proposition is so absurd, it is plain invention. Ms. Barretto regrets that she is being crucified without basis, and has become the subject of unsavory speculation based on rumor," she added.
According to Mallonga, Barretto confirmed that there was indeed an attempt to extort money from her, with an offer to exclude her name from the list of suspects if she paid.
However, the socialite refused because she did "nothing wrong."
"Ms. Barretto awaits the results 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," Mallonga 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 continued.
Patidongan accused Barretto and Ang, along with Eric Dela Rosa and Celso Salazar, of being the masterminds in the case of over 100 missing cockfight enthusiasts.
He also alleged that Barretto was fully aware of Ang's operations in the cockfight arena. “One hundred percent na may kinalaman siya dahil lagi silang magkasama ni Mr. Atong Ang,” Patidongan claimed.
Following Patidongan's accusations, Ang on Thursday, July 3, filed formal complaints against the former as well as another whistleblower, Alan Bantiles, alias "Brown," who tagged him in the case.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, meanwhile, said that Barretto and Ang will be included in the list of suspects, and formal cases will be filed against them soon.
"Because they were named, then we will have to include them as suspects,” said Remulla in an interview.