A surprising twist has emerged in one of the Philippines’ most chilling crime sagas: actress and socialite Gretchen Barretto has now been named as a person of interest in the decades-long disappearance of alleged “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts). What began with a shocking affidavit has forced the Department of Justice (DOJ) to widen its investigation. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where This Story Began
Between April 2021 and January 2022, at least 34 individuals connected to the illegal cockfighting community in Luzon vanished without a trace. The phenomenon, later believed to involve mass abductions and murders, captivated national attention and triggered Senate inquiries, with some speculating possible state or institutional involvement reddit.com+15quattroclubjournals.ph+15philstar.com+15.
For years, the case remained stalled—until June 2025, when a former security chief named Julie “Dondon” Patidongan (alias “Totoy”) broke his silence. He alleged that a shocking number of victims (potentially close to 100) had been murdered, their bodies dumped in Taal Lake, and that high-profile individuals were behind the crimes remate.ph+8quattroclubjournals.ph+8tuguegarao.bomboradyo.com+8.
The Allegations Against Gretchen Barretto
In a televised interview with GMA’s 24 Oras, Patidongan went further, claiming that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang was the mastermind behind the abductions—and he explicitly named Gretchen Barretto as being implicated in the disappearance of these sabungeros en.wikipedia.org+9gmanetwork.com+9philstar.com+9.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla later confirmed that both Ang and Barretto were being treated as suspects in the ongoing DOJ investigation, following the new affidavits reddit.com+15gmanetwork.com+15remate.ph+15. Remulla emphasized that their inclusion was warranted because they were specifically named by a source—but investigation and filing of charges are still pending gmanetwork.com+1remate.ph+1.
What Gretchen’s Involvement Could Mean
Business Connections
Gretchen has been associated with Atong Ang since at least 2017, particularly in ventures around casinos and cockfighting operations reddit.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15gmanetwork.com+15. Patidongan’s claim ties her to financial or logistical support that allegedly led to forced abductions.
A Possible State Witness?
Patidongan is reportedly being considered for state witness protection after his testimony reddit.com+13gmanetwork.com+13philstar.com+13philstar.com+2quattroclubjournals.ph+2philstar.com+2. If verified, it may be decisive in identifying who was involved behind the scenes and forcing the DOJ to proceed.
Legal Implications
Secretary Remulla explained that naming does lead to suspect status, but it’s not fault confirmed—charges will depend on the strength of evidence, including affidavit credibility thechronicle.com.phtribune.net.ph+2gmanetwork.com+2remate.ph+2. Meanwhile, Ang has already filed counter-complaints against Patidongan for extortion and libel reddit.com+7gmanetwork.com+7philstar.com+7. Barretto has not yet responded publicly smninewschannel.com+11gmanetwork.com+11quattroclubjournals.ph+11.
Investigative Status
DOJ is exploring technical searches—possibly underwater dives into Taal Lake—based on Totoy’s descriptions of where bodies might be located. They have even requested help from Japanese technology and local agencies for underwater mapping and recovery tuguegarao.bomboradyo.com+4tribune.net.ph+4quattroclubjournals.ph+4.
Public Reaction & Media Coverage
Philippine media outlets like GMA News and Philstar have been diligently following the story, noting the first-ever naming of Barretto in the affidavit en.wikipedia.org. The news has shocked fans, who know Barretto mostly from her showbiz activism and high-society life.
Online conversations have been vibrant. Threads are buzzing with questions about whether Barretto’s deep ties to cockfighting culture—once considered a tradition—played a role in what allegedly became criminal. Some even see it as part of a dangerous underworld that links gambling, power, and alleged killings philstar.com+15reddit.com+15thechronicle.com.ph+15.
However, others have cautioned against painting Barretto as guilty without clear evidence, noting that the DOJ still needs to verify and weigh the affidavit .
What Happens Next
The DOJ has a limited window to evaluate the affidavit and gather evidence. Prosecutors will need to decide whether to file charges under Philippine law. If they move forward:
Barretto will likely be named in formal charges, followed by court proceedings.
Totoy could be formally designated a state witness, bolstering the case.
Evidence linked to Atong Ang and others may reveal a disturbing network tied to the disappearances.
If not, the DOJ could dismiss or delay the case—igniting controversy once again.
What This Means for Showbiz & Society
This development goes far beyond entertainment news. It highlights questions about:
Celebrity accountability—Does fame shield you from suspicion, or intensify scrutiny?
Corruption in gaming—Cockfighting has long been both cultural sport and notorious for underground activity. This case may force new transparency measures.
Forming justice—Family members of missing sabungeros are waiting for justice. If this circle reaches influential figures, the case could become a landmark in addressing extrajudicial killings.
Final Thoughts
Gretchen Barretto’s alleged involvement has shocked many given her public persona. While accusations alone don’t equal guilt, the gravity of the missing sabungeros case demands rigorous investigation.
The DOJ’s next steps will make or break public trust. Will they unearth a criminal network—possibly implicating powerful social figures—or will this be remembered as an unsupported affidavit?
One thing is certain: millions of sabungero families deserve answers. If this case leads to accountability—even against the powerful—the Philippines will take a long-needed step toward justice.
