Actress Gretchen Barretto has filed a counter-affidavit with the Department of Justice in connection with the case of 34 missing sabungeros. She was accompanied by her lawyer Atty. Alma Mallonga on the first day of the preliminary investigation.
In his statement, Barretto again denied any connection to the disappearance of the sabungeros. According to Mallonga, the allegations against the actress are “baseless, without evidence, and unbelievable.” He added that witness Julie Patidongan lacks credibility.
Barretto declined to comment on the case but when asked if he believed in a fair investigation, he said: “I trust.” Patidongan and the families of the missing also attended the hearing.
The next hearing is set for September 29. According to Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit, they are still waiting for other documents from the PNP before deciding whether there is enough evidence to file the case in court. If there is no solid evidence, it can be dismissed.
It will be recalled that Patidongan implicated Atong Ang, Barretto, and three others as the alleged masterminds behind the disappearance of the sabungeros. But Ang and Barretto denied this. Ang even filed a criminal case against Patidongan because of his accusation.
