Gretchen Barretto denies involvement in missing sabungeros case

Gretchen Barretto’s legal counsel issues statement to refute allegations.

Atty. Alma Mallonga, legal counsel of actress Gretchen Barretto (in photo): “To be clear: Ms. Barretto has only heard about, hence has no relevant knowledge concerning, the disappearances… She attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances. The proposition is so absurd, it is plain invention.”
PHOTO/S: Gretchen Barretto Instagram

Itinanggi ng kampo ni Gretchen Barretto ang pag-uugnay sa aktres sa kaso ng mga nawawalang sabungero.

Ngayong Biyernes, July 4, 2025, naglabas ng opisyal na pahayag ang legal counsel ni Gretchen na si Atty. Alma Mallonga sa pagdadawit ni Julie “Dondon” Patidongan o Alias Totoy sa aktres sa maselang isyu na pagkawala ng mahigit isandaang sabungero.

Si Gretchen, pati na ang businessman at gambling tycoon na si Charlie ” Atong” Ang, ay itinuturing na ngayon ng Department of Justice (DOJ) bilang suspek sa pagkawala ng mga sabungero.

Ito ay base sa mga alegasyon ni Patidongan, ang hepe ng security agency na may hawak ng mga farm at sabungan na pag-aari umano ni Atong.

GRETCHEN BARRETTO NOT INVOLVED IN CASE OF MISSING SABUNGEROS CASE

Isang araw matapos manawagan ni Patidongan kay Gretchen na tumestigo, naglabas ng pahayag ang aktres sa pamamagitan ng kanyang abogado.

Tinawag na kampo ni Gretchen na “plain suspicion” ang pagdadawit sa pangalan ng aktres sa kaso ng mga nawawalang sabungero dahil lamang sa pagiging malapit nito kay Atong.

Iginiit ni Mallonga na narinig lamang ng kanyang kliyente, at wala itong mahalagang impormasyon, tungkol sa pagkawala ng mga sabungero.

Hindi umano nag-operate ng sabungan si Gretchen, at wala itong partisipasyon sa e-sabong na sinuspinde na noong 2023.

Investor lamang daw ang aktres sa Pitmaster, kung saan hindi raw bababa sa 20 ang nasa kategoryang “alpha members.”

Wala rin umanong dinaluhang meetings si Gretchen kung saan hiningi at ibinigay nito ang kanyang approval upang magsagawa ng pagdukot sa mga sabubgero.

Ikinalulungkot daw ni Gretchen na idinidiin siya sa isyu nang walang basehan, at naging tampulan ng mga espekulasyon na base lamang sa mga tsismis.

Naiintindihan daw ng aktres ang kahalagahan na maresolba ang kaso. Karapatan daw ng mga sabungero at kanilang pamilya na malaman ang katotohanan, at magkaroon ng closure.

GRETCHEN BARRETTO’S CAMP FULL STATEMENT

Ito ang kabuuan ng pahayag na inilabas ni Atty. Mallonga:

“Ms. Gretchen Barretto has just been tagged a ‘suspect’ in the case of the missing sabungeros based on the allegations of a supposed whistleblower, but his allegations stand on plain suspicion.

“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.

“He insists that Ms. Barretto, being an ‘alpha member’ of Pitmaster, must know everything that is happening. He has even changed his story, now characterizing Ms. Barretto as a ‘mastermind’ based on the suspicion and illogical reasoning.

“To be clear: Ms. Barretto has only heard about, hence has no relevant knowledge concerning, the disappearances.

“She did not operate the sabungan, had no participation in e-sabong operations that was suspended more than two (2) years ago, and was merely an investor in the business (one of about 20 investors categorized as alpha members).

“She attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances.

“The proposition is so absurd, it is plain invention.

“Ms. Barretto regrets that she is being crucified without basis, and has become the subject of unsavory speculation based on rumor.

“Ms. Barretto understands the importance of resolving the case. The sabungeros and their families deserve to know the truth, and they deserve closure because their lives matter.

“Justice can only be served by a responsible and thorough investigation of the case based on evidence and facts. Wishful thinking borne out of malicious desperation and speculation are not evidence.

“Ms. Barretto confirms there was an attempt to extort moneys from her, with an offer to exclude her name from the list of suspects if she paid. She refused because she had done nothing wrong.

“Ms. Barretto awaits the results of the investigation and will fully cooperate in the process. This is her priority.

“In the meantime, she beseeches the authorities to be fair and thorough, and for the public not to rush to judgment.

“In the end, Ms. Barretto trusts that an objective investigation will prove her lack of involvement in the case and the unfairness and falsity of the accusations against her.”