A widening investigation into the chilling disappearance of more than 100 cockfighting enthusiasts, or “sabungeros,” has drawn in high-profile names and exposed disturbing cracks within law enforcement. With gambling money, celebrity intrigue, and alleged police involvement at the heart of the scandal, what began as a mystery is fast becoming a national reckoning.
On July 4, actress Gretchen Barretto broke her silence after being publicly named in connection with the sabungeros’ case. Barretto’s legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, issued a strongly worded statement refuting claims by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who accused the actress of being a central figure in the case simply due to her ties with gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang.
“This is nothing more than plain suspicion disguised as fact,” said Mallonga. “Ms. Barretto has no operational role in any e-sabong venture, past or present. She is merely one of around 20 passive investors in Pitmaster.”
Patidongan, the head of a private security agency linked to Ang’s gaming operations, had earlier claimed that Barretto, as an “alpha member” of the now-defunct Pitmaster group, was privy to key decisions — even going so far as to suggest she was the “mastermind” behind the disappearances. But Barretto’s camp blasted the claims as a “malicious invention” and said there was even an extortion attempt, where she was offered removal from the suspect list in exchange for money. She refused.
Barretto, who emphasized her willingness to cooperate fully with authorities, stressed that she had no relevant knowledge of the incidents and attended no meetings tied to the disappearances. “She has become the subject of unsavory speculation without basis,” Mallonga said. “She wants justice — not just for herself, but for the families of the missing.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has confirmed that 15 police officers have been placed under “restricted duty” amid suspicions that they acted as executioners in the case. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that these officers, all members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), are now barred from participating in field operations and must report to designated offices during the course of the probe.
“This is part of ensuring accountability while the investigation is ongoing,” said Remulla, who met with families of the missing sabungeros earlier this week. “We owe them a fair and conclusive resolution.”
The PNP, under the leadership of Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre, is currently providing protection to whistleblower Patidongan, whose revelations continue to shake powerful circles in politics, law enforcement, and entertainment.
As the probe expands, public pressure mounts for authorities to peel back the layers of what now appears to be a deeply entrenched network of corruption, gambling influence, and possible foul play.
Whether justice will be served — and who else may be implicated — remains to be seen in this explosive saga that has gripped the nation.
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