The Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed the complaint filed against former actress Gretchen Barretto and others after it found insufficient evidence to prosecute her in connection with the missing “sabungeros” or cockfight enthusiasts case.

According to a resolution of over 100 pages released by the DOJ panel of prosecutors headed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Tofel Austria and Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit, no proof was found to support Barretto’s direct participation in planning the crime, reported RH 29 Boy Gonzales.

Key witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan previously implicated Barretto and 10 others from the Pitmaster Alpha Group.

“The evidence against the so-called Pitmaster Alpha Group is speculative and uncorroborated,” the panel said.

Patidongan, according to the DOJ resolution, “merely alleged that these persons attended meetings where decisions were supposed to be made to ‘punish’ cheating sabungeros.”

“However, there is no showing that they gave direct orders, participated in logistics, or had knowledge of the specific abductions. Their alleged ‘approval‘ during meetings was unsupported by any document, recording, or independent witness,” the resolution read.

All in all, of the seven complaints that underwent preliminary investigation, six are recommended for filing in court and one for dismissal.

Among those recommended for indictment are businessman Atong Ang and several police officers. Barretto and former NCRPO chief Jonnel Estomo were not included as respondents.