Gretchen Barretto submits counter-affidavit to DOJ in relation to missing sabungeros case

Gretchen Barretto filed her counter-affidavit to the Department of Justice in relation to the missing sabungeros case.

News5 reported that the actress made her appearance before the DOJ about a week after the agency issued her, businessman Atong Ang, and other respondents a subpoena.

Videos from the media outlet showed Barretto, accompanied by her legal team, at the DOJ grounds in Manila.

Reporters asked for her comment or statement about the case, but she opted not to respond for the most part.

At best, she said, "Nothing for now."

She was also asked whether she thinks the investigation will be fair, to which she responded, "I trust," before walking past the media.

Missing sabungeros case

Whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan accused her, Ang, as well as Eric Dela Rosa and Celso Salazar, of being the masterminds in the case of not just 34 but over 100 missing sabungeros.

Patidongan, who said he has been working for Ang for 15 years as the chief of security of his farms and cockfight areas, alleged that Ang is the pit master's chairman. "Siya ang mastermind, at siya ang nag-uutos na talagang iligpit ang mga 'yan," he said in his interview with GMA's 24 Oras.

While he's one of the six accused in the case, Patidongan asserted that he was merely following orders from Ang.

He also claimed that Barretto was fully aware of Ang's operations in the cockfight arena.

Ang has denied Patidongan's accusations and filed complaints against him and another whistleblower, Alan Bantiles, also known as "Brown," who had also tagged him in the case.

Barretto, through her legal counsel, denied involvement in the case, noting she "has no relevant knowledge" about the disappearances.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., in his fourth State of the Nation Address, assured the public that the government is working to solve the case of the missing sabungeros.