MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The case of the missing sabungeros has taken another scandalous and unexpected twist — this time involving showbiz royalty Gretchen Barretto, embattled businessman Atong Ang, and none other than Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa himself.

According to explosive insider reports, Gretchen Barretto has allegedly thrown Senator Bato under the bus during behind-the-scenes investigations, choosing to protect Atong Ang — her long-rumored business associate and close confidant — amid intensifying Senate pressure and public scrutiny.

The Stunning Allegation: “Gretchen Sacrificed Bato to Save Atong”

Multiple sources from within the upper echelons of the ongoing probe claim that Barretto refused to implicate Atong Ang during a closed-door inquiry, but instead raised suspicions about certain police operations and former PNP leadership ties to illegal e-sabong activities — an indirect swipe at Senator Bato, who once served as PNP Chief.

“If there were blind eyes turned, they weren’t in the business sector,” Gretchen allegedly said, according to a highly placed informant present during the meeting.
“Ask those who had the power to investigate but didn’t.”

Observers are calling this statement a veiled accusation, possibly hinting at institutional protection or negligence — a suggestion that has left Senate investigators stunned and angered.

Sen. Bato Reacts: “Wag Mo Akong Isama Diyan!”

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who has been actively involved in the Senate hearings on the missing sabungeros since 2022, did not take Gretchen’s alleged remarks lightly. In a heated media interview, he fired back:

“Kung may alam siya, sabihin niya nang diretso. Pero wag niya akong idamay sa kalokohan ng iba. Ginawa ko ang trabaho ko noon, at ginagawa ko pa rin hanggang ngayon!”

Bato also hinted that Gretchen may be deliberately sowing confusion to protect “certain high-profile names.” Though he did not name Atong Ang directly, his tone suggested the lines of war had been drawn.

Atong Ang Remains Silent — But Very Much In the Picture

Despite repeated requests for comment, Atong Ang has yet to issue a public statement regarding the latest developments. However, insiders say he remains “very aware and very cautious”, especially as more informants begin to speak up about the alleged inner workings of the e-sabong network he was once linked to.

“He’s watching the Senate hearings closely. He knows he’s one wrong testimony away from getting dragged back into the center of this storm,” a source close to Ang revealed.

https://youtu.be/XvOK34XPQOM?si=BYHt55mHEb-hzVS_

Senate Furious Over Delay in Justice

As the scandal grows, families of the missing sabungeros continue to cry for justice, frustrated over the slow progress of the investigations — now seemingly complicated by elite personalities and political power plays.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, speaking on behalf of the opposition, said:

“This isn’t just a case anymore — this is a cover-up. And every time we think we’re close to the truth, someone powerful throws sand in our eyes.”

The Senate is expected to summon Barretto formally if her alleged statements continue to disrupt or obstruct the direction of the inquiry.

Public Reactions: Chaos, Conspiracy, and Celebrity Intrigue

Social media exploded following the leaked developments, with users split between disbelief and outrage. Hashtags like #SabungerosJustice, #ExposeTheNetwork, and #GretchenVsBato began trending within hours.

“Why is a celebrity even involved in this in the first place? What is really going on?”

“If Gretchen knows something — she needs to talk. The families deserve answers.”

“Protect Atong at all costs? But at the cost of 34 lives?”

What Happens Now?

Senate Subpoena Incoming: Sources say Gretchen may be summoned to testify publicly under oath.

Pressure on Atong Ang is mounting, with more witnesses pointing to his network.

Sen. Bato’s credibility may be further questioned as his past ties to the PNP are dragged into the spotlight.

The families of the 34 missing sabungeros continue to fight for truth — even as the case becomes more entangled in celebrity-politics intrigue.

One thing is certain: this is no longer just a case of gambling gone wrong — it’s a tangled web of money, power, and silence.
As high society figures start turning on each other, will the truth finally come out? Or will the sabungeros remain missing — swallowed by a system too scared to speak?

We’ll keep you updated as this story unfolds.