Families of missing sabungeros want Barretto, others added to kidnapping case

Families of missing sabungeros have appealed to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include actress Gretchen Barretto and other individuals in the kidnapping case filed last year against businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang.

Aside from Barretto, the families are also seeking the arrest of retired National Capital Region Police Chief Jonnel Estomo, Ang’s children and relatives, and other involved individuals.

Jaja Pilarta, partner of the missing Jean Claude Inonog, said Barretto, who is reportedly part of the so-called "Alpha Group," should be held accountable, along with Roberto Matillano, Virgilio Bayog, and Johny Consolacion, who were at the Manila Arena the day Inonog disappeared.

“Naniniwala kami na conspiracy ito eh, magkakasabwat. So kailangan lahat managot, hindi lang iyong mga pulis, hindi lang mastermind. Dapat lahat ng mga taong involved dito mapanagot namin (We believe this is a conspiracy; there was collusion. So everyone must be held accountable, not just the police or the mastermind. All those involved should be made to answer for this),” Pilarta said.

“Kasi magkaka-grupo sila, iisa sila ng business eh, iisang business ang pinapatakbo nila eh. So alam nila iyong nangyayari sa bawat nawawala, alam nila kung ano ginagawa doon sa mga tao, alam nila siguro rin kung saan dinala ang mga kaanak namin (Because they belong to the same group and run the same business, they know what is happening with each disappearance. They know what is being done to the people, and they likely also know where our relatives were taken),” she added.

In December, authorities found prima facie evidence against Ang and 21 others for kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention. However, no case has been filed against Barretto due to lack of evidence.