In yet another explosive turn in the still-unfolding missing sabungeros saga, serious attention is now being shed on actress Gretchen Barretto and e-sabong tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang — both now officially labeled as suspects in the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation.

🌟 From Glamour to Game-Changer? Gretchen Barretto’s Role Comes into Focus

A key whistleblower, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, formerly a security chief at Ang’s cockfighting arenas, claims that Gretchen Barretto was not merely a silent investor — she was an “alpha member” in meetings deciding the fate of sabungeros accused of cheating. The whistleblower alleges Barretto voted in favor of getting rid of them.

Families of the missing sabungeros say they were not surprised by this, given Barretto’s high-profile position and alleged influence in the e-sabong empire.

⚖️ Official Suspects: DOJ Names Gretchen & Atong

Justice Secretary Remulla revealed that both socialite Barretto and financier Atong Ang are now on the official DOJ suspect list — even though neither has been formally charged. A formal complaint is reportedly in preparation as prosecutors examine all evidence.

🛡️ Denials and Defenses: Her Lawyer Speaks

Gretchen Barretto has categorically denied any involvement, describing allegations as “absurd” and based purely on speculation, not fact.

Her lawyer asserts that:

She was only one of ~20 investors — not at decision-making meetings.

She attended no meetings ordering disappearances.

She was allegedly extorted, told to pay to clear her name.

Barretto’s camp insists they’ll cooperate fully with the DOJ’s inquiry.

🚨 Why This Is Huge

Celebrities and Politicians Under Scrutiny: Barretto’s involvement marks a glaring shift — from missing sabungeros being a shady underworld matter to a scandal touching the country’s elite.

Credible Whistleblower Claims: A former insider specifically names Barretto and Ang as key decision-makers.

Families Demand Justice: With bones found in Taal Lake and DNA results still in the works, the public is demanding transparency with real names now emerging.

🔍 Here’s What to Watch Next

Will Barretto or Ang testify — or be subpoenaed?

Will more insiders step forward to confirm or contradict the whistleblower’s claims?

How will prosecutors build their case: conspiracy? obstruction? worse?

🧭 Bottom Line

This case is crossing lines — from unregulated gambling, to alleged vigilante killings of cheating sabungeros, to powerful people now at the center of a national crime wave.

Gretchen Barretto’s name being dragged through the mud sends a chilling message: no one is too big to keep in the shadows.

🛑 WHAT YOU CAN DO

Share this article — let’s flood public discourse with awareness.

Keep an eye on DOJ statements and upcoming subpoenas.

Demand full disclosure from both celebrity and finance circles.

Support families calling for justice — they deserve closure, not silence.