🔎 Gretchen Barretto Allegedly Voted to “Eliminate” Cheating Sabungeros? Explosive Whistleblower Claims Shake Ongoing Missing Case Investigation

🗓️ Published: July 6, 2025

📍 MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In a dramatic turn in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting personnel (sabungeros), whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan has named actress-businesswoman Gretchen Barretto as one of the individuals who allegedly “raised her hand” in agreement to eliminate sabungeros accused of cheating in online sabong operations.

Barretto’s camp has categorically denied the claim, calling it “malicious fiction.” Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Barretto and businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang are now officially under investigation.

🧨 What the Whistleblower Alleged

Patidongan, a former security chief for Atong Ang’s cockfighting firm, delivered a bombshell testimony last week, claiming that Barretto was present in a “closed-door investor meeting” where participants were allegedly asked whether they supported punitive action against cheating sabungeros.

“Gretchen Barretto was one of the people who raised their hands in that meeting,” said Patidongan in a recorded statement.

According to him, the meeting included “alpha group” investors and was orchestrated by Ang, allegedly to decide the fate of sabungeros accused of manipulating results or stealing profits.

📢 Barretto’s Camp Responds: “Fabricated and Absurd”

In response, Barretto’s lawyer Atty. Alma Mallonga issued a formal statement:

“Ms. Barretto categorically denies ever participating in any meeting where the fates of sabungeros were discussed,” said Mallonga.
Barretto maintains that she was never involved in operational decisions, much less violent directives.
The accusations, she says, are based on “zero evidence” and likely intended to smear her reputation during a politically charged investigation.

The actress emphasized that she had invested in legal ventures under Ang’s business umbrella but had no role in day-to-day operations or security matters.

⚖️ DOJ: Barretto, Ang Now Considered “Persons of Interest”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that Gretchen Barretto is officially under investigation, stating that the DOJ is “not ruling out anyone” involved in the high-profile case.

“There are no sacred cows in this investigation,” said Remulla.

He also noted that at least 15 police officers are under surveillance and are believed to have played roles in the abduction or cover-up of the missing sabungeros.

The DOJ is now validating:

Whether the “investor meeting” actually occurred
Who attended
Whether Barretto’s presence can be corroborated by third-party witnesses or digital records

🔍 Patterns and Public Suspicion

This is not the first time Barretto’s name has been linked to Ang’s operations. She has long been rumored to be part of the core group of investors in e-sabong platforms prior to their shutdown by executive order in 2022.

Public opinion is split:

Some netizens believe Barretto is being scapegoated due to her celebrity status.
Others argue that her ties to Ang and her proximity to questionable ventures must be thoroughly investigated.
Political analysts have warned that this case may become a litmus test for elite accountability in the Philippines.

📊 Legal Outlook: From Allegations to Actual Charges?

Legal experts say that raising one’s hand in a private meeting, while morally questionable in the context alleged, may not automatically constitute a crime—unless accompanied by:

Direct evidence (text messages, recordings, financial links)
Witness corroboration
Proof of knowledge or intent

However, if investigators prove Barretto had prior knowledge or gave implicit approval, charges such as conspiracy, obstruction of justice, or even complicity could follow.

🧠 Context: What Happened to the Sabungeros?

Between 2021 and 2022, over 30 sabungeros were reported missing, mostly after working in online cockfighting arenas. Despite public outcry, few leads emerged—until whistleblowers like Patidongan came forward in 2025 with insider information, pointing to organized efforts to silence sabungeros suspected of fraud.

In June 2025, reports surfaced that bodies may have been dumped in Taal Lake—though no physical evidence has yet confirmed this. Investigations continue.

🧩 Are Influential Figures Being Protected?

This case has reignited concerns about celebrity impunity and business privilege:

Will Barretto and Ang face the same legal scrutiny as less powerful suspects?
Are whistleblowers like Patidongan safe from retaliation?
Is the public being told the whole truth?

📝 Barretto’s Closing Statement

Through her lawyer, Barretto maintains:

“I have nothing to hide. I welcome the investigation and will cooperate fully. I only ask that it be fair, evidence-based, and free from trial by publicity.”

📌 Summary

🔹 Key Person
Gretchen Barretto

🔹 Allegation
Raised her hand to approve “eliminating” sabungeros

🔹 Accuser
Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan

🔹 Response
Complete denial, calls claims absurd

🔹 Legal Status
Under DOJ investigation

🔹 Public Impact
Renewed scrutiny of celebrity power in illegal e-sabong ties

🔗 Related Articles (For Further Reading)

Gretchen Barretto denies hand in kidnapping of sabungeros – Philstar
Whistleblower names Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto in sabungero case – GMA News
Remulla: 15 cops involved in missing sabungeros – Daily Tribune
What happened to the missing sabungeros? Full timeline – Rappler
Inside the e-sabong empire before it crumbled – Inquirer

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