The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the complaint against actress Gretchen Barretto and several others implicated in the disappearance of missing “sabungeros,” ruling that the allegations were unsupported and rooted in speculation.
In a 120-page joint resolution, prosecutors said the evidence linking Barretto and the Pitmaster Alpha Group was “speculative and uncorroborated.”
Claims by the Patidongan brothers that certain individuals approved plans to “punish cheating sabungeros” failed to establish any direct link to the abductions.
“However, there is no showing that they gave direct orders, participated in logistics, or had knowledge of the specific abductions. Their alleged ‘approval’ during meetings was unsupported by any document, recording, or independent witness,” the resolution stated.
Investigators emphasized that mere presence in meetings where crimes were allegedly discussed does not constitute conspiracy without clear proof of intent and participation.
With no such evidence, the panel dismissed the complaints against Barretto and her co-respondents but left room for refiling if new evidence emerges.
While Barretto’s group was cleared, the DOJ found sufficient basis to move forward with charges against gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others.
Prosecutors said there was prima facie evidence for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.