MANILA – Actor Raymart Santiago’s legal team denied allegations linking him to the alleged kidnapping of his children, following statements made by his estranged wife Claudine Barretto.

In a Facebook Live session last Saturday, January 24, Barretto alluded to the alleged incident and named her personal assistant Marisol Acop.

“And you, you know who you are! Hindi ka talaga titigil hangga’t hindi mo ako nabaliw o napatay. Nanay ako ng mga anak mo. Malalaki na ang mga anak ko, magkita tayo sa VAWC [Violence Against Women and their Children],” Barretto said. She added, “You want me dead dahil hindi kita binabalikan.”

Raymart’s camp issued an official statement through Calleja Law, sent to the talk show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Monday, January 26, denying any involvement in the alleged incident.

“Our client Rozelle Raymond Martin ‘Raymart’ is aware of the interview conducted by his mother-in-law Inday Barretto with Ogie Diaz, the other interviews his estranged wife, Ms. Claudine Barretto, made in the past accusing our client of abuses and theft, as well as the recent livestream where she made statements in relation to the alleged kidnapping made by Marisol Acap of their common child, Sabina Santiago, giving the impression that our client is somehow involved in this incident. 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,” Abunda read on his show.

The statement also said Santiago would refrain from further addressing the allegations in deference to a court-issued gag order. It reminded Barretto to “refrain from weaponizing her influence, the media, and other platforms in discrediting the name and reputation” of the actor.

“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,” the statement added.