Actress Gretchen Barretto Denies Involvement in Missing Cockfight Enthusiasts Case

Actress Gretchen Barretto has been cleared of any connection to the case involving missing "sabungeros" or cockfight enthusiasts, according to her legal counsel. On Thursday, September 18, Barretto’s lawyer Alma Mallonga emphasized there is no factual basis linking the actress to the investigation.

"Basically, there is no proof," Mallonga told reporters as she and Barretto filed the actress's counter-affidavit at the Department of Justice (DOJ). The affidavit challenges allegations made by whistleblower Julie Patidongan, whom Mallonga described as lacking substantiation.

"As a matter of law, allegations are not evidence. Suspicion, opinion, rumors, speculation are not evidence. There is no evidence in this case," Mallonga stated firmly. She further questioned the validity of accusations based solely on hearsay, asking, "If someone says something against you, does that make it true?"

"It should not," she added.

Mallonga also expressed confidence in the judicial process, stating, "We will trust the process."

The DOJ has formed a panel of prosecutors currently conducting a preliminary investigation into complaints filed on August 1 by the families of the missing individuals. The complaints include charges of multiple murder and serious illegal detention against several respondents involved in the case.