The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the complaint against actress Gretchen Barretto and several others in connection with the disappearance of e-sabong workers.
Barretto was among those implicated by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who alleged the existence of a so-called Pitmaster Alpha Group.
But in a 120-page resolution, state prosecutors said the evidence presented against Barretto and the supposed group was “speculative and uncorroborated.”
The resolution noted that there was no proof tying Barretto to the alleged abductions.
“[T]here 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,” it said.
The DOJ emphasized that the case may be reopened should new evidence emerge linking the individuals to illegal detention.
Prosecutors earlier found sufficient grounds to file kidnapping with homicide or kidnapping with serious illegal detention charges against Atong Ang and 21 others in connection with the with the disappearance of the sabungeros.
