Gretchen Barretto, Atong Ang deny involvement in alleged bribery arrest in Taytay
• Charlie “Atong” Ang and Gretchen Barretto denied involvement in an alleged bribery attempt
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• Two suspects in Taytay, Rizal, were arrested for allegedly offering P1.5 million to Jaja Pilarta to withdraw charges
• Ang’s lawyer pointed to whistleblower Julie Patidongan as the one with motive
• Barretto’s camp said they know nothing about the issue while Patidongan’s lawyer denied the accusation and argued it was illogical
Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and former actress Gretchen Barretto on Thursday denied any knowledge of the alleged bribery attempt involving one of the complainants in the high-profile case of missing cockfight enthusiasts, in a report by ABS-CBN News.
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The denial came after two individuals were arrested in Taytay, Rizal, for allegedly offering P1.5 million to Jaja Pilarta, partner of missing sabungero John Inonog. Authorities said the money was meant to convince Pilarta to sign an affidavit of recantation and desistance, effectively withdrawing charges against several key personalities in the case.
Ang’s lawyer, Gabriel Villareal, clarified that his client is not among those charged in the kidnapping and serious illegal detention case filed before the Manila Trial Court. Instead, he pointed to whistleblower Julie Patidongan as one of the accused. The case stemmed from the abduction of six individuals at the Manila Arena in January 2022.
“Kung sinoman ang may motibo na mag-areglo ng kasong ‘yon, ‘yon dapat ay ‘yong mga akusado. Walang iba ‘yon kung hindi si Julie Patidongan,” Villaroel said.
Barretto’s legal counsel, Alma Mallonga, also dismissed speculation linking her client to the bribery attempt. “No! We know nothing about it,” she told reporters.
Patidongan’s lawyer, Manuel Ventura, however, rejected Villareal’s accusations.
“That is very impossible na ‘yong kliyente ko na magba-bribe ng kaso na ‘yon dahil alam naman natin na hindi talaga siya ‘yong mastermind doon,” Ventura said. “In fact, inabogaduhan siya sa kasong ‘yon ng lawyers coming from Mr. Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang.”
The case of the missing sabungeros, which began in 2022, remains one of the country’s most closely watched unsolved controversies, with families of the victims still seeking justice.
In an earlier report by GMA News, Gretchen Barretto filed her counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice in response to the murder and kidnapping complaints against her and businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang over the disappearance of 34 cockfight enthusiasts in 2021 and 2022. Personally attending the preliminary probe, Barretto maintained her innocence through her lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga, who described the allegations as “unsubstantiated, incredible,” and lacking basis. Mallonga expressed confidence that the complaint should be dismissed, while Barretto, when asked about the process, said simply, “I trust.” The case involves charges of serious illegal detention and multiple murder tied to seven separate incidents of missing sabungeros.
Gretchen Barretto is a well-known Filipina actress, socialite, and former singer who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Born on March 6, 1970, she is a member of the prominent Barretto showbiz clan, which includes her sisters Marjorie and Claudine Barretto, both actresses as well. She began her entertainment career as a teen actress under Regal Films, becoming one of the popular “Regal Babies.” She starred in several bold films during the late 1980s, establishing herself as a daring and glamorous figure in Philippine cinema. Over time, she transitioned to television and more mainstream projects, earning critical praise for her acting in drama series and movies.
In a previous report, families of missing cockfighting bettors filed a murder complaint at the DOJ against businessman Atong Ang, whom a whistleblower pointed to as the mastermind. Actress Gretchen Barretto and retired police general Jonnel Estomo were also named among over 60 people in the complaint. Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, now turning state witness, claims Ang ordered the killings of bettors suspected of cheating.
In other news, the camp of Gretchen Barretto, through her lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga, has released a statement with regards to the allegations hurled against the actress in relation to the case of the missing sabungeros. As per the statement of Mallonga, "Ms. Barretto has only heard about, hence has no relevant knowledge concerning, the disappearances". The statement, released by GMA News also stated that the socialite did not operate a sabungan no has she had any participation in e-sabong operations. “Ms. Barretto regrets that she is being crucified without basis, and has become the subject of unsavory speculation based on rumor. Ms. Barretto understands the importance of resolving the case," the statement added.
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