Raymart Santiago issues statement through lawyers following Claudine Barretto's kidnapping allegation

Raymart Santiago has issued a statement through his legal counsel, Atty. Maria Concepcion Jimenez-Aquino and Atty. Katrin Jessica Distor-Guinigundo, after his ex-wife Claudine Barretto implied that he was involved with her personal assistant, Marisol Acap, in the alleged kidnapping of her children, Sabina, Noah, and Quia.

In Santiago's full statement, which was sent to "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" on Monday, the actor denied his ex-wife's allegations. 

It also stated that Santiago is aware of the past interview of his former mother-in-law Inday Barretto with Ogie Diaz, as well as Barretto's past interviews accusing him of abuse and theft.

"There is no truth to any of the allegations made, both in the past and recently, more so our client is not in any way or form involved in the kidnapping incident of his child with Ms. Barretto, if there is indeed any," it said.

According to the statement, Santiago "actively refrains from further addressing, dignifying, or responding to any of these statements as deference to the Gag Order issued by the court, which remains in full force and effect to this day. Our client respects the court and has faith that justice and truth will prevail in time." 

Santiago's lawyers also reminded Barretto to "refrain from weaponizing her influence, the media, and other platforms in discrediting the name and reputation of anyone especially our client." 

"We also plead for the public to be more critical and discerning in their comments about the parties, especially when it involves private and sensitive family matters." 

According to "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" on Monday, an unnamed source close to Barretto said that the children were returned to Barretto on Saturday night, the same night she accused Acap via Facebook Live, along with some of her fans dubbed “Team Baliwag,” of the alleged kidnapping. 

In the livestream, Barretto had said she already sought help from local authorities to locate Acap.

"If in 15 minutes my children are not here, I am going to go after Marisol or Maria Solita Acap for kidnapping my children," she said. 

"My right hand, my PA, together with some fans, na-trace na po ng NBI [National Bureau of Investigation],” she added.

She then directly addressed Acap in the livestream, saying, “Kanina ka pa dapat sa Katipunan.”

“Inaantay ka na ng NBI dito. At sa lahat ng 'Team Baliwag,' whose loyalty is supposed to be mine, please come clean," she said.

"Bring my children now dahil huling-huling na kayo ng Team Baliwag group mo sa group chat with my Claudinians, slandering my name, destroying me and using my children, extorting money from my fans," she added. 

In the same livestream, Barretto alluded to a specific person she claimed was eager to harm her.

She did not name the person but gave a hint.

"Nanay ako ng mga anak mo,” she said. “If anything happens to me, especially sa fiesta ng General Santos, alam niyo na po, dalawang tao lang ang gumagalaw."

“At ikaw, malalaki na mga anak ko,” she added. “You want me dead? Dahil 'di kita binabalikan? Bring it on. Bring it on. Multuhin ka sana ng nanay at tatay mo.”

Barretto and Santiago have two children together, Santino and Sabina. The actress also has two other adopted children, Noah and Quia. 

“Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” has reached out to Barretto and Acap for comment, but both have yet to respond. 

GMA News Online has also contacted Barretto and Acap for a statement, but has yet to receive a response. We will update this article as soon as they reply.

—Nika Roque/CDC, GMA Integrated News