Gretchen attends DOJ sabungero probe

Atong Ang a no-show

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice started its preliminary investigation into the case of missing sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts, with actress Gretchen Barretto attending the DOJ proceedings yesterday. Barretto filed her counter-affidavit on the criminal charges filed against her, gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others over the kidnapping and disappearance of the sabungeros.

“She is the only respondent who submitted a counter-affidavit. The rest, deferred pa ang submission,” Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit, who heads the DOJ panel, said.

Apart from Barretto, retired police Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo also attended the hearing, but did not submit his counter-affidavit.

Ang did not attend the hearing. His lawyer Gabriel Villareal said they have yet to draft his counter-affidavit.

The lawyers for Ang and Barretto said they had no knowledge of the alleged attempt to bribe Jaja Pilarta, one of the complainants and partner of missing sabungero John Claude Inonog.

Also present in the hearing were e-sabong whistle-blower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and his brother, Elakim.

Guhit said the Patidongans swore on the veracity of their complaints for murder and serious illegal detention filed against the respondents on Aug. 1.

Barretto’s lawyer Alma Mallonga said there is “no proof” of the involvement of the actress, only “mere allegations.”

“The complaint stands on nothing. Unsubstantiated, unproven and at the end of the day, incredible and made by a witness who’s also himself lacking credibility,” Mallonga said.

“Basically, the complaints are mere allegations as submitted by the Philippine National Police.There’s no evidence in this case,” she added.

Barretto’s camp asked the DOJ to dismiss the complaint filed against her.

The next hearing is set on Sept. 29.