Recently, a whistleblower known as "Totoy" revealed during an investigation that behind the disappearance of 34 cockfighting participants that shocked the nation, there lies an unexpected "mastermind" — 55-year-old former movie star Gretchen Barretto. Totoy described her as a "key figure" in the organization, having been spotted multiple times at critical locations, and is suspected to be deeply involved in the operations.
In response, the Philippine Justice Minister Remulla stated on June 30 that Totoy's claims have not yet formed an official sworn statement and are still being verified. He said, "I have not seen a signed version; it is currently just an oral statement and cannot yet serve as legal evidence." When asked if Gretchen was indeed one of the masterminds, Remulla did not answer directly, only stating that "there are many clues to be investigated" and subtly indicated that "other people" are involved, suggesting a possible wider involvement of entertainment industry figures.
Gretchen Barretto is a household name in the Philippines, born in 1970 into a family of performers. She debuted in the 1980s and rapidly rose to fame after signing with Seiko Films in 1988, becoming a symbol of bold imagery and a representative figure in Philippine adult cinema. In the 1990s, she was regarded as a "sex symbol," leaving a lasting impression on a generation.
Entering the 2000s, Gretchen gradually shifted to mainstream screen roles, starring in several popular TV dramas such as "Magkaribal" and "The Neverending End," and her image also transformed accordingly. Although she has faded from the film and TV industry in recent years, she remains active on social media, attracting many fans with her "ageless beauty" image.
She and businessman Antonio Cojuangco have a daughter, Dominique, who got married in 2023. Although no official charges have been filed yet, the news of her involvement in the case caused a huge stir in Philippine society and brought this years-long unresolved case back into the public eye.
The judicial department is still investigating further, and whether more entertainment industry-related clues will emerge remains a highly focused point of public attention.
