Decrying the accusations as baseless and absurd, actress and businesswoman Gretchen Barretto has denied any involvement in the case of the 34 missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).

In a statement released through her lawyer Alma Mallonga of Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako, Barretto rejected allegations made by a supposed whistleblower who tagged her as a suspect due to her ties with businessman Atong Ang and her status as an “alpha member” of Pitmaster, a now-defunct e-sabong operator.

“Ms. Barretto has only heard about, and has no relevant knowledge concerning, the disappearances,” the statement read. “She did not operate the sabungan, had no participation in the e-sabong operations... and was merely an investor in the business.”

The whistleblower reportedly changed his story, now characterizing Barretto as a “mastermind” without presenting direct evidence. The actress’s legal counsel said this shift in narrative is built on “malicious desperation and speculation,” not on facts.

Barretto also claimed that someone attempted to extort money from her in exchange for keeping her name off the list of suspects. She said she refused to pay, maintaining she had done nothing wrong.

“She regrets that she is being crucified without basis, and has become the subject of unsavory speculation based on rumor,” the statement added. “She beseeches the authorities to be fair and thorough, and for the public not to rush to judgment.”

The actress said she will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and trusts that a proper inquiry will ultimately clear her name.