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.
📸: The Filipino Times
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.
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.
📷: KCPH
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.