So here I am. I’m afraid, but I’m facing this because this is the truth.

A shocking revelation was made this week by former actress and socialite Gretchen Barretto, finally breaking her long silence regarding the controversial disappearance of cockfighting bettors (sabungeros) across the country.

In a tell-all interview released on social media and several broadcast platforms, Barretto firmly denied allegations that she was involved in the string of mysterious disappearances. Instead, she exposed the individuals she claimed were truly behind the incidents.

“I’m so sick and tired of my name being dragged into issues I have nothing to do with,” Gretchen said in a serious tone. “But now that I have the information—it’s time the public knows who’s really involved.”

In the interview, Barretto identified several allegedly influential figures who she claims are tied to illegal online cockfighting operations—people who, according to her, are connected to the disappearance of these sabungeros.

Though she didn’t name all of them publicly, she stated she was ready to cooperate with authorities and bring the full truth to light. According to her, she holds documents, audio recordings, and witnesses that can shed light on the incidents.

“I’m not doing this for publicity. I’m doing this because the public deserves the truth, and justice must be given to the families who lost their loved ones.”

She added that more than 30 people linked to these operations—including bettors, employees, and operators—have been reported missing since 2021. Many of them were last seen at cockfighting arenas or transport terminals en route to events and have never been found since.

Barretto’s statement is a major step toward reopening the case to the public. While awaiting the next move from her and authorities, the families of the missing are hoping this is the beginning of true justice.

“I will not stay silent anymore. I’m not worried about anything but the truth. Even if this puts me in danger—I’m ready. But I will no longer allow my name to be used in lies,” Barretto said firmly.

It’s worth noting that in a previous media interview, Alias Tutoy boldly claimed that Atong Ang, a billionaire businessman, was the mastermind behind the missing sabungeros. He also implicated high-ranking police officials, including 12 active officers and one retired general.

According to these claims, these officers were allegedly paid and ordered by Atong Ang to silence the victims—some reportedly stuffed into sacks and dumped into Taal Lake. The victims were allegedly tied with wire around their necks until they choked, a method described as gruesome and inhumane.

“Atong even threatened the police. He said if they spoke out, he’d have them eliminated.”

On who recorded the videos?
“The police themselves. The same officers who abducted them,” the informant said.

When asked about the 34 documented missing cockfighters, the whistleblower said he had personal knowledge of all of them.

“I was contacted by Eric De Rosa, the man monitoring the live stream where the victims were being ‘folded’ like objects. Eric contacted me, and I relayed it to Mr. Atong. When Atong said ‘You know what to do,’ that was it.”

Authorities recently retrieved sacks during dive operations, reportedly containing human remains—some burnt, suggesting multiple methods of disposal.

When asked about bodies being dismembered, the whistleblower confirmed:

“Yes. They showed me a video—it was like they were butchering pigs. I only saw that one video, but it was horrific. They sliced open the body to let the blood flow so it wouldn’t bloat.”

The video allegedly shows people lying on wooden boards, tied at the legs, with sand added to weigh them down, and then thrown into the lake.

“The victims were laid out like meat, their bellies sliced to drain blood.”

When asked if he regretted coming forward:

“No, I don’t regret it. I did this to protect my family—because he was going to destroy us. I’m doing this for justice.”

Authorities continue to retrieve more sacks from Taal Lake, with speculation that the bodies were dumped in a police officer’s fishpond nearby.

When asked how many victims were disposed of in a single night:

“Depends. If there were five people in one group—they had to eliminate them all. Sometimes even a pregnant woman was involved. They left no one behind.”

As for where they were disposed of:

“In a fishpond owned by a police officer near Taal—used like a slaughterhouse.”

The whistleblower said everything he’s revealed has been consistent with recent findings, and he even challenged Atong Ang to a lie detector test.

“I didn’t make this up. I’m not trying to ruin anyone—I’m doing this because of what he tried to do to my family.”

Last two questions:
Was it worth it, despite the risks?

“Yes. I’ve been hiding for so long. I can’t go out, my family can’t visit. But no—I don’t regret it. I did this for them.”

“What do I want? Just to die without—ah—I don’t know. I want justice for the families of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts). That’s second. What I really can’t accept is what happened. I even told him, ‘Boss, it’s okay if you kill me. Just don’t involve my entire family.’ That’s why I reacted to him this way.”

“Sir, is your security tighter now? Because so much has been happening lately. Everything you’re saying seems to be true. So, if people have seen that you’re no longer following what was told to you, are you now feeling more threats?”

“I’m used to those threats. First of all, there’s no one else who would want to have me killed except Mr. Atong Ang. Not the government. The government is on my side. So for what? I’m not afraid—never have been. That’s why I told him, ‘Mr. Atong Ang, if what you’re saying is true or if I’m the one lying, let’s take a lie detector test. Bring Judge Felix with you. Let’s do a lie detector test.’ Yes, because he claimed I had no basis—but I actually have one. From Mr. Atong himself. He once said that Judge Felix was the one facilitating things. That was about three months ago when he called me during a cockfight at Manila Arena. Judge Felix was there. Selsala was also there. They told me, ‘Go talk to him. Thank him.’ I’m not lying.”

“I even challenged the judge to explain the case. Yes. I already said Judge Felix and Silso Salazar are friends—very close even. And now it’s all being connected. Mr. Atong’s mistake was underestimating how much people already knew. That’s why I’m not afraid of him. I know my limits. And now many are siding with me.”

[Live Interview Segment with Commissioner Rafael Vicente Kalinisan, Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer of the National Police Commission]

“Good morning, Sir.”
“Good morning, Boss Ted, Ma’am DJ. Thank you for having me on the show.”

“Let’s get right into yesterday’s press conference held by Dodong, Julie Patidongan, also known as Totoy. He officially filed a complaint against police officers allegedly involved in the disappearance of the sabungeros. Could you tell us what specific complaint he filed? Is it similar to what the families of the missing cockfighters have also filed?”

“Regarding the details of his complaint affidavit—I can’t disclose that fully. But what I can say is this: according to reports we’ve reviewed, 18 police officers were named. We’re now breaking down those names. It appears that 13 are in active service, while 5 have been dismissed.”

“And to highlight, he mentioned two generals yesterday, not just one. However, those generals were not listed in his formal affidavit. He also mentioned someone else he wanted to charge, and he even instructed his lawyer during the press conference to include that person—but they’re not in the affidavit either. So we expect another affidavit from Alias Totoy very soon.”

“So it’s not just 12 or 15, but 18 officers. Can you tell us who they are?”

“That’s part of the affidavit’s confidential details. But I can say this about the possible charges: they may face grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.”

“We’re evaluating Alias Totoy’s affidavit to see if it should move forward.”

“Can you at least confirm whether Totoy’s affidavit says these police officers were involved in abducting, killing, and dumping the bodies of the sabungeros in Taal Lake?”

“Yes, I can say that. Alias Totoy has repeated this allegation in multiple interviews. The allegation is that the police were the ones picking them up—and from there, the cockfighters just disappeared.”

“In yesterday’s press conference, Totoy claimed that some police officers were allegedly being paid millions to do this job. Did he name who exactly was paid?”

“He did mention names, and in his complaint, he attached several vouchers—millions of pesos in value. The shocking part is, they had signatures—allegedly showing that some members of the police force received those payments.”

“Can you describe these vouchers? Are they formal, typewritten, handwritten?”

“There were both handwritten and typewritten vouchers. The amounts varied. And the names and signatures were all there. That’s why we need to examine them carefully. We can’t assume everything Totoy says is gospel truth—we have to let the respondents answer.”

“How many vouchers were there in total? What’s written on them?”

“They’re simple—just the amount, the recipient’s name, their signature, and who approved it. That’s it. Like buying vinegar, just quick and basic documentation. Some vouchers are over 2 million pesos.”

“But obviously no one would write ‘payment for murder’ on a voucher, right?”

“Of course not. There’s nothing like that written.”

“Still, Totoy’s revelations are impactful, but as you said in your press conference yesterday—due process must be followed. Aside from the vouchers, what other evidence did he submit?”

“That’s the next thing we need to unpack. Remember, evidence can be object-based or testimonial. Totoy’s own narration, no matter how incredible it may seem to some, is still considered testimonial evidence. The question now is whether the National Police Commission (Napolcom) will give weight to his testimony and the attached evidence.”

“You’re right. It’s a testimonial, but we’re talking about an administrative case here, right? Not criminal?”

“Yes, that’s correct. In administrative cases, the burden of proof is substantial evidence—which is much lower than ‘proof beyond a reasonable doubt’ required in criminal cases. That’s also why the Department of Justice is very meticulous about this.”

“Ah, the filing of the case really needs to be airtight because it will be subjected to intense scrutiny and examination. It will go through court proceedings, so the case filed must be very strong. That’s why the public also needs to understand the situation of the Department of Justice.

In the case of the NAPOLCOM, this is an administrative body with quasi-judicial functions. The level of evidence required is lower—just substantial evidence is enough to dismiss a police officer.

So, Sir, is Alias Totoy now filing his complaint with the NAPOLCOM? Does that mean the Office of the Chief PNP no longer needs to handle a separate case and that the proceedings now fall entirely under NAPOLCOM?”

“Yes, I appreciate that question, Sir Ted, because this is an opportunity to clarify. All other disciplinary authorities that handle police cases are ultimately under the jurisdiction of the National Police Commission. So whether it’s the IAS (Internal Affairs Service), the Chief PNP, a city mayor, a People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB), a governor, or a regional director—no matter who initially resolves the case—it will eventually reach NAPOLCOM.”

“So what Alias Totoy did was very important because it essentially fast-tracked the whole process. NAPOLCOM has summary dismissal powers. In fact, under the Constitution, Article XVI Section 6, it is the NAPOLCOM that has administrative control and supervision over the entire Philippine National Police.”

“So this is the proper office to handle it—as long as it involves a police officer.”

“Thank you for clarifying that. Now, regarding the evidence presented by Alias Totoy, can you confirm whether he personally handed over the money to the police?”

“Yes. He clearly stated this, repeatedly—even yesterday and in his affidavit. Since this is now public knowledge, I can say that he has consistently claimed this. He said: ‘I personally gave the money to that police officer. He accepted it and signed the voucher.’“

“That’s correct. That is his sworn statement, Sir Ted.”

“Are the police officers he implicated currently under preventive suspension?”

“Not yet. Right now, his complaint affidavit is being evaluated—along with the affidavits from others who filed yesterday. Once these pass the initial evaluation by our Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS), we will summon the police officers involved as part of due process.”

“They will be given five days to submit their answers or counter-affidavits. After that, they may be formally charged. That will mark the start of the real case. From there, they’ll be required to answer again, and there will be a formal hearing. Due process at NAPOLCOM is extremely rigorous.”

“After the summary hearing officer issues a recommendation, the case goes up to the Commission en banc—to us. We will deliberate and decide on the appropriate sanction for the officers involved.”

“Where are these police officers currently assigned?”

“Apparently, some are under restrictive custody by the PNP. We’re deferring to General Tore, who knows what is best for the PNP. If they are ordered to be restricted, so be it. But we need to thoroughly vet these names, Sir Ted—each one needs to be examined.”

“Is there a chance that some of the implicated police officers may cooperate with Alias Totoy?”

“Hopefully, yes. Alias Totoy mentioned that the other respondent officers are currently with him and he hopes some of them will eventually testify and corroborate his story. In our part, some individuals have started to reach out creatively to provide information. We hope they follow through and submit affidavits instead of just verbal accounts. It can’t just be hearsay or gossip.”

“So you’re saying there are active-duty police officers who are now expressing willingness to speak out and help deliver justice for the families of the missing cockfighters?”

“Yes. According to Alias Totoy, at least two officers have expressed intent. And on our end, we’ve received ‘creative’ information as well. We hope they follow through with formal sworn statements.”

“We’ll continue to monitor how NAPOLCOM investigates the case. By the way, are you aware of the recent incident involving Patrolman Rodolfo Avila Madlang Awa who allegedly shot someone at a sari-sari store in Lopez, Quezon?”

“Yes, I saw it. In fact, I was enraged when I watched it, Sir Ted. The incident was senseless and inexcusable. It’s the kind of behavior we don’t want to see from police officers. We’re constantly working to promote the moral welfare of our policemen—and then something like this happens.”

“The Philippine National Police has already arrested the officer involved and filed appropriate charges. Since the PNP has taken jurisdiction, we at NAPOLCOM won’t interfere. This falls under the disciplinary functions of the PNP, particularly the Chief PNP.”

“But in clear-cut cases like this—caught on video—how fast can proceedings be?”

“Well, there’s something called concurrent exclusive jurisdiction. If one authority already has jurisdiction over a case, others can’t touch it anymore. So, for example, if I saw the Madlang Awa video and wanted to immediately dismiss him, I can’t do that anymore because the PNP already has the case.”

“That’s why what Alias Totoy did was strategic. If he had filed with the IAS, we would’ve had to start from the bottom: IAS would investigate and recommend to the Chief PNP, who would then deliberate and decide—before anything could be appealed to NAPOLCOM. That would take a long time.”

“But since Totoy filed directly with NAPOLCOM, the process is faster. So to the public listening: if you see police abuse or have complaints, do not hesitate to go directly to the National Police Commission.“

“And in the case of Patrolman Madlang Awa, beyond the administrative case, can he also be charged criminally for grave threats and illegal discharge of firearms, as seen in the video?”

“Absolutely. That’s very clear. If this case eventually reaches us at NAPOLCOM, we will show no mercy. Officers like that should be dismissed immediately. I’m hopeful the Chief PNP will act on it swiftly.”

“If I may add, in my first month as head of NAPOLCOM, I issued two directives: (1) clear our backlog of cases, and (2) resolve all new cases within 60 days.”

“Our first case was the cockfighting (sabungero) case. We’re determined to finish it within 60 days. But it shouldn’t just be NAPOLCOM that moves fast. All disciplinary authorities must act quickly. That’s why we’ve drafted new rules for handling admin cases in the PNP. We’ll release these soon, and all authorities will be held accountable for the speed and fairness of case resolution.”

“