Actress and entrepreneur Gretchen Barretto has categorically denied allegations linking her to the disappearance of over 30 cockfighting enthusiasts—locally referred to as sabungeros—amid a high-profile investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Barretto, through her legal counsel Atty. Alma Mallonga, dismissed the claims as baseless and speculative. The accusations came from whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan, who recently implicated both Barretto and businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as alleged masterminds behind the disappearances. Patidongan, a self-proclaimed former security chief of Ang’s farms and cockfighting operations, claimed that Barretto was present during discussions about dealing with “cheating sabungeros.”
In an interview on ’24 Oras’, Atty. Mallonga emphasized that her client had no participation or knowledge of any wrongdoing.
“We deny it. She denies it, categorically… Wala siyang kinalaman doon, wala siyang ginawa, wala siyang sinabi that connects with the disappearance of the sabungeros,” said Mallonga.
Mallonga explained that Barretto was one of about 20 “alpha members” or investors in the Pitmasters Group, an e-sabong (online cockfighting) operation, but stressed that she had no involvement in the company’s daily activities or decisions. “She attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances. The proposition is so absurd, it is a plain invention,” she added.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that both Barretto and Ang are now considered suspects as part of the ongoing DOJ case build-up. He stated that they were being included due to their names being directly mentioned by a witness. “Mapapasama sila kasi nga pinangalanan sila,” he said, adding that case evaluations by prosecutors could lead to charges being filed “sooner than later.”
Despite the DOJ’s stance, Barretto’s camp believes there is no strong evidence tying her to the case. “Ang espekulasyon ay hindi ebidensya,” said Mallonga, who explained that the whistleblower’s statements are purely speculative and rooted in Barretto’s personal connection to Ang.
Barretto also reportedly rejected a financial demand allegedly made by Patidongan—similar to the ₱300 million extortion claim raised by Ang. Mallonga questioned the whistleblower’s motives, saying Barretto was likely targeted because of her fame. “Bakit hindi yung mga ibang investors?…Bakit si Ms. Gretchen? Kasi kilala siya at siguro mas pakikinggan yung whistleblower kung banggitin niya ang pangalan ni Ms. Gretchen Barretto,” she said.
As of now, Barretto has not received a subpoena but has expressed her willingness to fully cooperate with investigators. “Ms. Barretto awaits the result of the investigation and will fully cooperate in the process,” said her counsel. “She beseeches the authorities to be fair and thorough, and for the public not to rush to judgment.”
Meanwhile, Ang has also denied the allegations and filed a complaint against Patidongan and another former employee for attempted extortion. His lawyer, Atty. Lorna Patajo-Kapunan, assured that Ang would also cooperate fully with the investigation.
The DOJ is currently exploring the possibility of turning Patidongan into a state witness, citing the importance of his testimony to the case. The situation continues to unfold as authorities expand their probe, which includes other individuals such as former officials, policemen, and a former judge.
Barretto, for her part, hopes for a fair and objective investigation that will ultimately clear her name.
