Lawyer: Gretchen Barretto Has No Role in E-Sabong Operations
GRETCHEN BARRETTO – The actress has denied having any role in the disappearance of over 30 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), saying she has no knowledge of the operations behind e-sabong or any connection to the alleged abductions.
Her lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga, said Barretto is simply one of about 20 investors in the Pitmasters Group and has never been involved in the company’s operations or decision-making.
The statement came after whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan accused Barretto and businessman Atong Ang of being behind the disappearances. Totoy claimed Barretto was an “alpha member” of the group and suggested she might be a mastermind.
But Mallonga said these claims were baseless and purely speculative. “While he has not witnessed anything that Ms. Barretto has said or done, the whistleblower maliciously speculates she must nonetheless somehow be involved because of her close connection with Mr. Atong Ang,” she explained. “To be clear: Ms. Barretto has only heard about, hence has no relevant knowledge concerning, the disappearances. The proposition is so absurd, it is plain invention.”
Barretto also allegedly refused a demand for money from the whistleblower in exchange for staying silent. “She refused because she had done nothing wrong,” her lawyer added.
Barretto has called for a fair and thorough investigation, saying the victims and their families deserve justice—but based on facts, not rumors. “Ms. Barretto regrets that she is being crucified without basis, and has become the subject of unsavory speculation based on rumor,” Mallonga said.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that both Barretto and Ang are now being treated as suspects following the whistleblower’s testimony. A formal case is being prepared, and charges could be filed soon.
Ang, meanwhile, has also denied the allegations and filed an extortion complaint against Totoy and a former employee, saying they demanded ₱300 million in exchange for not implicating him in the case.
Related Post: Atong Ang Denies Involvement in Missing ‘Sabungeros’ Case, Says Accuser is After Money