Actress Gretchen Barretto has denied allegations linking her to the disappearance of over 30 cockfighting enthusiasts, saying she was merely an investor in the Pitmasters Group and had no involvement in its operations.
Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, alias “Totoy,” recently named Gretchen and businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as possible masterminds behind the case.
In response, Gretchen, through her legal counsel Alma Mallonga, dismissed the claims on Friday, July 4, as “malicious speculation” based solely on her known ties to Ang.
“While he has not witnessed anything that Ms. Barretto has said or done, the whistleblower maliciously speculates she must nonetheless somehow be involved,” Mallonga said, stressing that Gretchen had no knowledge of or role in the disappearances.
Mallonga also clarified that Barretto was one of around 20 investors dubbed “alpha members” in Pitmasters, but had no involvement in the day-to-day management or e-sabong operations.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is now treating Gretchen and Ang as suspects, with a case build-up underway. Aside from Patidongan, another former associate, Alan Bantiles, accused Ang of masterminding the alleged killings.
Mallonga added that Gretchen turned down a supposed demand for money from Patidongan, insisting she had nothing to hide.
Authorities are also probing the alleged involvement of other individuals, including policemen, a former local official, and an ex-judge. Patidongan has since urged Barretto to testify as a second witness, while Ang filed complaints against both Patidongan and his associate, Brown.