Socialite Gretchen Barretto attends the preliminary hearing on the missing sabungeros case at the Department of Justice. Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA (UPDATE) — Controversial socialite and former actress Gretchen Barretto made her first public appearance Thursday after being implicated as respondent in the "missing sabungeros" case.
Barretto attended the preliminary investigation on the cockfight enthusiasts case at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
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“I trust,” she briefly told reporters when asked if she believed the investigation would be fair.
Barretto is among the respondents in the multiple murder and serious illegal detention complaints filed by the families of the victims before the DOJ in August, along with gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and more than 50 others.
She was among the few respondents who attended the hearing, along with former National Capital Region Police Office chief Ret. Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo.
However, she was the only respondent who submitted a counter-affidavit.
When asked if she had any message for the public, Barretto replied: “Nothing for now. Thank you.”
Murder raps filed vs Atong Ang, others tagged in 'missing sabungeros' case: kin
A panel of prosecutors on Thursday began the preliminary investigation into the complaints against 61 respondents allegedly involved in the disappearance of dozens of cockfight enthusiasts.
The preliminary investigation is a legal proceeding where prosecutors examine the evidence and testimonies to determine whether there is sufficient basis to formally file the case in court.
The complaints were filed after whistleblower Julie Patidongan tagged Ang and Barretto in the case. Both have since denied involvement in the disappearances and alleged killings.
Barretto’s lawyer, Alma Mallonga, insisted the complaints against her client must be dismissed “forthwith,” arguing the accusations were “unsubstantiated, unproven… incredible, and made by a witness who himself lacks credibility.”
“We will abide by the process. Part of that process is attending the preliminary investigation and submitting a counter-affidavit,” Mallonga said. “As justice demands, we have done our part. Ms. Barretto will continue doing her part.”
ANG, CHILDREN NO-SHOW
Ang did not attend the hearing.
His lawyer, Gabriel Villareal, said they were not given enough time to prepare a counter-affidavit and that the documents and flash drives sent to them were incomplete.
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“Hindi naman namin ho maihahanda ‘yong counter-affidavit ni Mr. Ang sa loob ng anim na araw na nakaraan lang ‘yon mula nang kami’y ma-serve ng subpoena,” Villareal said.
(We cannot prepare Mr. Ang’s counter-affidavit within just six days from the time the subpoena was served.)
He added that Ang would eventually appear to swear in his affidavit.
The lawyer also denied Ang’s involvement in the alleged attempt to bribe a complainant in the case.
“Sinong may motibo mag-areglo ng kaso at magsuhol ng mga testigo? Hindi si Mister Ang,” he stressed.
(Who has the motive to settle the case and bribe the witnesses? Not Mr. Ang.)
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Meanwhile, lawyer Lorna Kapunan represented the children of Ang, who were also respondents in the case.
“61 na ang respondents. Hindi lang pamilya, buong barangay na ata eh, sinama na dito. Buong police department, sinama na dito,” Kapunan said.
(There are already 61 respondents. It’s not just the family — practically the whole barangay has been included. Even the entire police department has been dragged into this.)
She added: “That the children are involved in the business, that’s not true; that he would see the children, he would visit them, that’s not true; that he went to the office… that’s not true. Let’s leave these children alone, they’re innocent.”
PATIDONGANS, KIN PRESENT
Patidongan and his two brothers, Elakim and Jose — who also have links to the case — were present during the hearing. Families of the victims also attended and swore before the panel to affirm their affidavits.
The next hearing was set on September 29, and the Philippine National Police were ordered to submit the missing flash drives and other documents. Only then will the respondents be asked to submit their affidavits.
“Hihintayin namin ang submission ng mga counter-affidavits ng mga respondent and from there, doon namin ie-evaluate kung may sufficient ba tayong mga ebidensya na mag-proceed tayo sa korte. Kung wala man, puwedeng ma-dismiss ang kaso. Ganon lang ang mangyayari,” said Charlie Guhit, senior assistant state prosecutor.
(We will wait for the submission of the respondents’ counter-affidavits, and from there, we will evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to court. If there is none, the case may be dismissed. That’s how it will go.)
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