Photo courtesy from PNA

Actress Gretchen Barretto made a rare public appearance at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, Sept. 18 to face allegations in the highly-publicized case of the missing cockfight enthusiasts, or sabungeros. She was there to file her counter-affidavit, a document that formally refutes the charges against her.

Barretto, who is among some 60 individuals implicated in the case, personally appeared before the prosecution panel. Her lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga, spoke to reporters and called the accusations of illegal and multiple murder unsubstantiated. According to Mallonga, Barretto's counter-affidavit stands on the belief that the claims against her are bare allegations without evidence.

The case involves the disappearance of dozens of men who were linked to online cockfighting. The accusations against Barretto stem from the testimony of a self-proclaimed whistleblower who has implicated her, along with gaming tycoon Atong Ang, as a mastermind.

While Barretto showed up to personally submit her affidavit, her co-accused Atong Ang was a no-show. His legal counsel explained that they were unable to file their counter-affidavit because of missing documents in the subpoena they received.

When asked by reporters for her comments on the case, Barretto opted not to speak, but she did share a brief, but telling, response. "I trust," she said, expressing her faith in the legal process.

The DOJ has set the next hearing for September 29, at which point the police are expected to submit additional evidence.