Gretchen Barretto clears name as DOJ dismisses allegations in missing sabungeros case
- Gretchen Barretto reiterates she had no hand in the disappearance of the missing sabungeros after the DOJ dropped the complaint against her
- Her camp says the accusations were unfounded and rooted in speculation
- The DOJ resolution states that evidence against the so-called Pitmaster Alpha Group lacked corroboration
- Prosecutors stress that merely naming individuals in a list does not meet the threshold for establishing a case
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Gretchen Barretto has reaffirmed her innocence after the Department of Justice dismissed the complaint linking her to the case of the missing sabungeros.
Source: Instagram
The actress faced allegations alongside businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others, following the claims made by whistleblower Julie Patidongan.
Her legal counsel, Alma Mallonga, released a statement underscoring that there was no truth to the accusations directed at Barretto.
Mallonga said, "Thankfully, the Department of Justice agreed, ruling that the accusations were based on speculation and uncorroborated, and thus dismissed the complaint against her for lack of merit."
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According to the DOJ’s resolution, the panel of prosecutors evaluated the evidence against the group referred to as the “Pitmaster Alpha Group.”
The members, including Barretto, William Ang, Lornalee C. Vingson, Richard Perez, Arman Santos, Jojo Cruz, John Capinpin, Atty. Caroline Cruz, Joey Delos Santos, Angelito Guerra, and Mayor Bernie Tacoy, were deemed to have been implicated without solid proof.
The panel said the claims were “speculative and uncorroborated.”
The resolution also highlighted that the Patidongan brothers only alleged that the individuals attended meetings where punitive decisions were supposedly discussed. The panel said this did not amount to evidence.
It noted, "The Patidongan brothers merely alleged that these persons attended meetings where decisions were supposedly made to ‘punish’ cheating sabungeros."
Prosecutors further explained that the names listed by Patidongan did not come with concrete accounts of involvement.
They said, "The mere mention of their names without factual narration of their involvement does not meet the quantum of evidence required to establish a prima facie case."
However, the DOJ maintained that Ang and several other respondents could still face charges.
The panel said the confession of Patidongan, supported by witnesses Ellakim and Jose Patidongan, indicated that he carried command responsibility
Gretchen Barretto is a prominent Filipina actress, socialite, and former singer whose rise to stardom began in the 1980s and 1990s. Born on March 6, 1970, she is part of the well-known Barretto family, with sisters Marjorie and Claudine also carving successful careers in show business. She started out as a teen talent under Regal Films and became one of the famous “Regal Babies.” Early in her career, she appeared in a string of bold films that helped cement her image as a confident and glamorous presence in Philippine cinema. She later shifted to more mainstream roles on television and in films, earning recognition for her performances in various drama projects.
In an earlier report, relatives of several missing cockfighting enthusiasts filed a murder complaint before the DOJ, pointing to businessman Atong Ang as the alleged mastermind. The complaint also included the names of Gretchen Barretto and retired police general Jonnel Estomo, along with more than 60 other individuals. Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, the whistleblower who has turned state witness, claimed that Ang ordered the killings of bettors accused of cheating.
Meanwhile, Gretchen’s camp has formally responded to the accusations linking her to the missing sabungeros case. Her lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga, issued a statement addressing the claims. Mallonga said, "Ms. Barretto has only heard about, hence has no relevant knowledge concerning, the disappearances." The statement, released through GMA News, also clarified that Gretchen never operated a sabungan nor participated in any e-sabong activities. It further stated that, “Ms. Barretto regrets that she is being crucified without basis, and has become the subject of unsavory speculation based on rumor.” The statement also noted that she “understands the importance of resolving the case,” underscoring her desire to see the matter properly addressed.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
