NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Gretchen Barretto's Camp Denies Link To Missing Sabungeros; Calls For Fair Probe
Photo credit: Gretchen Barretto
The camp of actress and businesswoman Gretchen Barretto has broken its silence on allegations tying her to the controversial case of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), firmly denying any involvement and appealing for an impartial investigation.
In a statement, Barretto’s legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, dismissed the accusations as speculative and malicious.
“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,” Mallonga said, referring to Barretto’s longtime partner and fellow investor in the sabong industry.
Mallonga clarified that Barretto neither operated the cockfighting arenas nor participated in e-sabong operations. She explained that Barretto was merely an investor — one of about 20 so-called “alpha members” who contributed to the business financially, without any role in day-to-day management.
The lawyer also revealed that Barretto had allegedly been the target of an extortion attempt, though she did not go into detail about who may have been behind it.
Through her counsel, Barretto expressed her willingness to cooperate fully with the authorities as they continue their investigation into the disappearance of several sabungeros. She also urged everyone involved to ensure the process remains fair and based on evidence rather than conjecture.
Barretto’s name surfaced after a whistleblower claimed she might have knowledge of or a role in the case, citing her association with Ang. However, her camp insists there is no factual basis for implicating her in any wrongdoing.
“We appeal for a process grounded in facts and evidence, not speculation,” Mallonga said.
The case of the missing sabungeros has captured national attention and raised questions about the darker side of the once-thriving e-sabong industry. As authorities continue their probe, Barretto’s camp remains firm in maintaining her innocence and in calling for justice — not just for her, but for the victims and their families as well.
In a statement, Barretto’s legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, dismissed the accusations as speculative and malicious.
“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,” Mallonga said, referring to Barretto’s longtime partner and fellow investor in the sabong industry.
Mallonga clarified that Barretto neither operated the cockfighting arenas nor participated in e-sabong operations. She explained that Barretto was merely an investor — one of about 20 so-called “alpha members” who contributed to the business financially, without any role in day-to-day management.
The lawyer also revealed that Barretto had allegedly been the target of an extortion attempt, though she did not go into detail about who may have been behind it.
Through her counsel, Barretto expressed her willingness to cooperate fully with the authorities as they continue their investigation into the disappearance of several sabungeros. She also urged everyone involved to ensure the process remains fair and based on evidence rather than conjecture.
Barretto’s name surfaced after a whistleblower claimed she might have knowledge of or a role in the case, citing her association with Ang. However, her camp insists there is no factual basis for implicating her in any wrongdoing.
“We appeal for a process grounded in facts and evidence, not speculation,” Mallonga said.
The case of the missing sabungeros has captured national attention and raised questions about the darker side of the once-thriving e-sabong industry. As authorities continue their probe, Barretto’s camp remains firm in maintaining her innocence and in calling for justice — not just for her, but for the victims and their families as well.
Jul 4, 2025
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