Gretchen Barretto, Atong Ang face kidnapping raps over missing sabungeros

Socialite Gretchen Barretto and gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang, along with others, face kidnapping and disappearance charges related to missing sabungeros.

Barretto attended a Department of Justice (DOJ) preliminary investigation and submitted her counter-affidavit, being the only respondent to do so at the hearing.

Ang was a no-show at the hearing, with his lawyer stating they have yet to draft his counter-affidavit and questioning the handling of evidence.

Ang's lawyer claimed that incomplete evidence, including missing data from USB drives, hinders their ability to respond to the charges.

Lawyers for Ang and Barretto denied knowledge of an alleged attempt to bribe Jaja Pilarta, a complainant.

E-sabong whistle-blower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan and his brother Elakim were present and affirmed their murder and serious illegal detention complaints.

Ang's lawyer also pointed out that some cases linked to him were filed by a complainant against Patidongan and co-accused, not Ang himself.