Gretchen Baretto files counter-affidavit in missing sabungeros case

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September 18, 2025 | 5:12pm

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Gretchen Barretto has submitted her counter-affidavit during the preliminary investigation over the case of the missing sabungeros.

In her first public appearance after Julie Patidongan’s testimony, Barretto attended the first day of the preliminary investigation of the case with her lawyer, Alma Mallonga, at the Department of Justice on September 18.

At the hearing, she personally attested to her statement, which merely reiterated her previous denials that she had a hand in the disappearance of the 34 sabungeros, according to Mallonga.

“As you know, we have said from the very start that the accusations against Ms. Barretto stand on nothing,” Mallonga said.

“If you look at the complaint affidavit, the accusations against her are actually recognized as allegations, unsubstantiated, unproven and at the end of the day, incredible; and the witness himself lacks credibility,” she added.

Barretto, however, refused to comment on the case.

When asked if she believes the investigation will be fair, Barretto said: “I trust.”

Self-proclaimed whistleblower Patidongan and the families of the missing cockfight enthusiasts also attended the preliminary investigation.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 29. Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit said that the Philippine National Police has been ordered to submit the missing flash drives and other documents before the respondents are required to submit their affidavits.

“Hihintayin namin ang submission ng mga counter-affidavits ng mga respondents and then from there doon namin ievaluate kung may sufficient ba tayong mga ebidensya na magproceed tayo sa korte,” Guhit said.

(We will wait for the submission of the respondents' counter-affidavits, and from there, we will evaluate if we have sufficient evidence to proceed to court.)

“Kung wala man pwede madismiss ang kaso,” he added.

(Without sufficient evidence, the case can be dismissed.)

It could be recalled that Patidongan implicated tycoon Atong Ang, three other individuals and Barretto as the masterminds in the disappearances of the missing cockfight enthusiasts.

The allegation was denied by Ang, Barretto and the three others. Ang filed criminal charges against Patidongan due to his allegations.

RELATED: 'Sabungeros' case: Atong Ang files criminal raps, says 'Totoy' tried to extort P300M