MANILA, Philippines — Sharing his side of the story, Charlie “Atong” Ang bared what happened during the altercation between the members of the Barretto clan at their patriarch’s wake.
In an interview over ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol” aired Thursday, Ang said that he was by the door when he witnessed Gretchen Barretto and her mother Estrella shared a tight embrace, ending their estrangement.
Witnessing the mother-daughter reunion was President Rodrigo Duterte.
READ: Gretchen Barretto reunites with family at dad’s wake; is joined by Duterte
Ang said that after 30 minutes, Duterte stood up and attempted to bring Gretchen and Marjorie together.
“Maya-maya, sabi ni Presidente na mag-mano or sa Bisaya yata magkamay eh. Narinig ko sumigaw na si Marjorie,” Ang said.
(Later on, the President said to bless or I think shake hands in Bisaya.)
According to Ang, Gretchen extended her hand to Marjorie. However, Marjorie said: “I’m sorry, Mr. President.”
“Narinig ko na lang pumihit dito si Marjorie, di ko alam kung saan pupunta. Sinalubong siya ni Claudine. Sila ni Claudine ang nagbangaan, hindi nakikialam si Gretchen,” Ang recalled.
(I heard that Marjorie went somewhere. Claudine then went her way and they had a fight. Gretchen had nothing to do with it.)
At one point, Ang said that he protected the President and Gretchen from Marjorie, saying that latter might accidentally hit Duterte.
Nicole and her partner, Ang said, suddenly dashed towards Gretchen. However, Ang said that he blocked their way and asked them to leave as things were already getting worse.
“Yun lang ang naging papel ko. Tapos umatras ako, tumahimik na ako, tapos sila na nag-usap,” he said.
(That was my only role, then I backed out, I stayed silent, it was them who talked.)
He also had this advice to the embattled members of the Barretto clan: “Wag kayong magkasiraan. Kung ako sa inyo, magkabati-bati na kayo.”
(Don’t ruin each other. If I were you, just make amends.)