🔴 Gretchen Barretto and Sunshine Cruz Allegedly Linked to Missing Sabungeros: What’s the Truth Behind the Viral Claims?

Manila, Philippines – A sensational headline has taken social media by storm, claiming that actresses Gretchen Barretto and Sunshine Cruz are somehow linked to the controversial case of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts). The rumor suggests that their disappearance was related to illegal e-sabong operations and that the two celebrities played a role in what some netizens are calling a “cockfighting massacre.” But is there truth behind these allegations, or is this just another case of digital misinformation?

🐓 The Background: The Missing Sabungeros

Between 2021 and 2022, more than 30 men reportedly went missing under mysterious circumstances after attending or participating in e-sabong operations. These disappearances triggered a national scandal, prompting investigations by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Department of Justice (DOJ). At the center of the storm are powerful gambling interests and now—shockingly—some showbiz names.

👩 Gretchen Barretto Named by Whistleblower

Gretchen Barretto, a long-standing figure in Philippine entertainment, has recently found herself drawn into the controversy. A former security chief for gambling tycoon Atong Ang, named Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alleged that Barretto was present during high-level meetings where decisions were made to punish suspected cheaters in online cockfighting rings.

According to Patidongan, some of these meetings led to the forced abduction—and possible killing—of certain sabungeros. He even claimed that as many as 100 individuals may have been involved, and some bodies were allegedly disposed of in Taal Lake.

Barretto, through her legal team, has categorically denied all accusations, claiming she was merely one of over 20 “silent investors” in the business. She stated she never attended such meetings and had no knowledge of any illegal activities. Furthermore, she revealed that someone attempted to extort her, threatening to falsely implicate her if she didn’t pay.

☀️ Sunshine Cruz: A Case of Mistaken Association?

Meanwhile, Sunshine Cruz has been unfairly caught in the crossfire. Her name began trending on social media due to rumors of a past romantic link with Atong Ang. However, these claims are entirely unrelated to the sabungeros case and have no basis in fact.

Cruz has addressed these rumors publicly, denying any romantic involvement or connection to e-sabong operations. There has been no formal complaint, investigation, or mention of her name in relation to the missing sabungeros by any legal authority.

⚖️ DOJ Steps In

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that Gretchen Barretto and Atong Ang are currently persons of interest in the ongoing investigation. This means they are not formally charged but are under scrutiny based on emerging testimonies and circumstantial links.

DOJ officials are reviewing statements, including the high-profile whistleblower report, to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. Atong Ang has also denied wrongdoing and, like Barretto, claimed to be the victim of an extortion attempt.

🧠 Public Reactions and Misinformation

The story quickly escalated on social media, where headlines like “Sunshine Cruz and Gretchen Barretto Behind Disappearances” went viral. While many netizens were quick to judge, others have called for restraint and due process.

Social media’s role in spreading unverified claims has once again been spotlighted, reminding the public to discern fact from speculation.

✅ Conclusion: What We Know So Far

Gretchen Barretto has been named by a whistleblower and is under DOJ scrutiny, though she denies all accusations.

Sunshine Cruz is not involved in the case and has been mistakenly associated due to online rumors.

As of now, no charges have been filed against either actress.

👉 The allegations against Gretchen Barretto remain unverified, and Sunshine Cruz’s name appears to be collateral damage in an online misinformation campaign.

Stay tuned for official updates as authorities continue their investigation into one of the Philippines’ most mysterious and disturbing scandals.