FORMER actress Gretchen Barretto has vehemently denied any involvement in the disappearance of several cockfight enthusiasts, a day after being named a suspect by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Through her legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, Barretto clarified her role as one of twenty investors, categorized as “alpha members,” in e-sabong operations.
Mallonga firmly stated that Barretto “attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances,” characterizing the allegations as “absurd” and “a plain invention.”
This denial comes in response to statements made by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who implicated both Barretto and businessman Atong Ang in the abductions.
Barretto’s legal team emphasized that similar extortion attempts have been made against their client, mirroring claims made by Atong Ang, who also denies any involvement.
Ang alleges that Patidongan and another former employee threatened to implicate him unless he paid them ₱300 million. This suggests a potential pattern of false accusations aimed at extorting money from individuals connected to the e-sabong industry.
Despite the serious allegations, Barretto has expressed her full cooperation with the ongoing investigation, stating through her lawyer that she “awaits the result of the investigation and will fully cooperate in the process.”
Barretto’s legal counsel appealed for fairness and thoroughness in the investigation, urging the public to avoid premature judgments.
Mallonga expressed confidence that an objective investigation will ultimately exonerate Barretto, proving the falsity of the accusations against her.
The case highlights the complexities of investigating high-profile individuals and the importance of due process in ensuring a just and equitable outcome. The public awaits the results of the investigation to determine the extent of Barretto’s involvement, or lack thereof, in this high-profile case.
