Gretchen Barretto waves to reporters as she arrives at the Department of Justice in Manila on Friday, September 19, 2025, to personally submit her counter-affidavit denying allegations linking her to the case of missing sabungeros. (Photo courtesy of PNA)
The DOJ is reviewing kidnapping and murder complaints tied to the disappearance of 34 sabungeros after Gretchen Barretto denied involvement and filed a counter-affidavit; the case remains at the preliminary investigation stage.
MANILA — Actress Gretchen Barretto has formally denied allegations linking her to the disappearance of more than 30 cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, filing a counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on September 18, 2025.
Barretto personally appeared at the DOJ to submit her sworn statement, asking prosecutors to dismiss the complaints against her. She insisted she had “no role whatsoever” in the alleged kidnappings. Her lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga, described the accusations as “baseless and malicious” and urged the panel to junk the case.
Preliminary investigation under way
The filing came as the DOJ formally opened its preliminary investigation into complaints of kidnapping and murder tied to the 2021–2022 disappearances of at least 34 sabungeros.
On the same day, several co-respondents—including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang—deferred filing their counter-affidavits. Ang’s lawyers told prosecutors they could not respond fully because the police records were incomplete, pointing to missing electronic files. The DOJ panel acknowledged the deficiency, directed the PNP-CIDG to complete the case file, and set another hearing later this month.
Contested allegations
The case stems largely from a sworn statement by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a former security aide, who accused both Barretto and Ang of involvement in the abductions. Both have categorically denied his claims. Ang has also filed legal actions against Patidongan, disputing the allegations.
Authorities have pursued several leads, including reports of possible remains in Taal Lake, but no publicly confirmed forensic evidence has tied these discoveries to the missing cockfighting enthusiasts as of mid-September 2025.
A separate controversy also surfaced earlier this year involving an alleged bribery attempt on a complainant to withdraw her case. Barretto’s camp has denied knowledge of such an effort, and Ang’s side likewise disclaimed involvement. These allegations remain unproven and are not backed by any court ruling.
Ongoing proceedings
The DOJ investigation remains in its early stage. At this point, prosecutors are determining whether there is probable cause to bring the case to trial. No judicial finding has been made holding Barretto, Ang, or any respondent responsible for the disappearances.
The panel has ordered the police to supply the missing records. Once complete, co-respondents who deferred filing are expected to submit their counter-affidavits. Prosecutors may then consolidate the complaints and witness statements before making a resolution.
