MISSING SABUNGEROS UPDATE: Did Senator Bato Dela Rosa Become the Next Target After Gretchen Barretto’s Explosive Accusations?

A shocking new twist has surfaced in the missing sabungero saga: after actress Gretchen Barretto pointed fingers at Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, rumors now swirl that Senator Bato himself may be the next target in this unfolding scandal.

Gretchen has recently gone silent following her public critique of Bato’s investigation techniques during a Senate hearing—where she even mocked his expensive luxury watch and questioned his motives. Viral clips capture her calling on him to stop “grandstanding” and accusing him of using the investigation to boost his profile .

Netizens and online forums have erupted, speculating that power players behind the missing sabungeros may be redirecting attention—possibly paving the way for a bigger scandal implicating Bato. 

What We Know So Far

34 sabungeros went missing between 2021 and 2022, allegedly tied to e‑sabong (online cockfighting) operations, prompting Senate investigations led by Bato.

In June 2025, a suspect came forward claiming bodies were disposed of in Taal Lake and that the actual death toll could be closer to 100—far more than the officially reported 34. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and PNP have promised to investigate these explosive allegations going forward .

Why This Matters

If the finger-pointers are now becoming possible targets themselves, this scandal is no longer just about missing sabungeros—it’s a high-stakes battle between celebrities, politicians, and crime syndicates. The next chapter could be deadlier than anything seen before.