ACTRESS and socialite Gretchen Barretto has stepped into the legal spotlight after appearing at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the preliminary investigation into the disappearance of several sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts.

Barretto, joined by her lawyer Atty. Alma Mallonga, filed her counter-affidavit to dispute the complaints linking her to the high-profile case, a report by Philstar said.

Barretto expressed trust in the process, saying she believes the DOJ will treat the matter with fairness. Her camp firmly denied the allegations, with Mallonga stressing that the accusations are based on weak evidence and unreliable testimony.

Barretto’s camp is seeking the outright dismissal of the charges.

The complaints stemmed from a case filed by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, former security aide of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who has also been implicated in the case. The investigation relates to the mysterious disappearance of sabungeros in 2022, which has remained unresolved and controversial.(Victoria Diana, USJ-R Comm Intern)

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• #Julie “Dondon” Patidongan complaint
• #Charlie “Atong” Ang implicated
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