Gretchen Barretto is no longer facing this legal battle
The Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed the criminal case filed against socialite Gretchen Barretto in connection with the missing sabungeros.
Barretto’s name was dragged into this as she has been in a business partnership with wealthy businessman Atong Ang. When the E-sabong started, they were very visible together in cockfighting events in different areas in the country.
In recent months, the former actress was no longer seen with Atong. At this time, the businessman has started dating actress Sunshine Cruz.
Early this year, the issue of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) exploded. Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, or Alias Totoy, accused Atong Ang as the alleged mastermind and claimed that Gretchen Barretto was part of the crime.
Just recently, the DOJ found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to charge Ang and 21 other individuals with 21 others with kidnapping with homicide and/or kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
On the other hand, the complaint against Barretto was dismissed. Based on the report from GMA News Online, the evidence against the so-called Pitmaster Alpha Group is “speculative and uncorroborated.” Allegedly, Barretto was part of this group.
In a 120-page joint resolution, it was said that the claim made by the Patidongan brothers that Barretto and Alpha Group’s supposed meetings were not proven.
“However, there is no showing that they gave direct orders, participated in logistics, or had knowledge of the specific abductions. Their alleged ‘approval’ during meetings was unsupported by any document, recording, or independent witness,” the resolution added.
The panel of prosecutors also stated that if Barretto and other people were present during meetings where they discussed the supposed crime, it would not necessarily mean that a conspiracy happened unless there is proof of intent and participation.
For lack of merit “without prejudice should future evidence arise linking them directly to the unlawful detentions,” the panel decided to dismiss the complaint against Gretchen Barretto.