Actress Claudine Barretto publicly expressed relief and admiration for her sister Gretchen Barretto following the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) dismissal of the complaint implicating the former actress in the high-profile missing sabungeros case.
Shortly after news broke about the resolution, Claudine took to Facebook to share her reaction, celebrating what she described as a long-awaited vindication and praising Gretchen’s resilience throughout the controversy.
She wrote that “the truth is out,” adding that her sister’s strength continues to amaze her as she supports her “from afar” while keeping her in her prayers.
Gretchen’s name was dragged into the case earlier this year when witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan linked her—along with businessman Atong Ang—to the alleged abduction and killing of several cockfight enthusiasts who disappeared between 2021 and 2022. Patidongan claimed the supposed conspirators approved plans to “punish” bettors accused of cheating, and alleged that the victims’ bodies were dumped in Taal Lake.
Gretchen immediately denied the accusations through her legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, who stressed that Gretchen had no role, involvement, or knowledge of the disappearances.
In its 120-page joint resolution, the DOJ panel ruled that the claims against Gretchen and the supposed “Pitmaster Alpha Group” were speculative, unsupported, and uncorroborated. Prosecutors said that while Patidongan accused several individuals of attending meetings, there was no evidence showing that Gretchen or others issued orders, participated in logistics, or had knowledge of the specific abductions. The panel emphasized that the alleged approvals during meetings lacked documentation, recordings, or independent witnesses.
Although Gretchen is not among the individuals being formally charged due to lack of evidence, the DOJ noted that a complaint may be refiled should new proof surface.
Meanwhile, Atong Ang and 21 others remain at the forefront of the DOJ’s list of respondents.
Gretchen’s camp welcomed the decision, reiterating that the accusations were “unsubstantiated and incredible.” Mallonga said Gretchen has consistently maintained her innocence and is grateful to those who supported her throughout the ordeal.
