In a recent interview, actress Claudine Barretto revealed details surrounding the timeline of events leading to the untimely death of her ex-boyfriend, Rico Yan. Barretto, who broke her silence after 22 years, denied cheating on Yan and expressed how she has protected his name throughout the years, despite both of them being responsible for the downfall of their relationship.
During an emotional sit-down with Ogie Diaz, Barretto shared that she and Yan had already ended their relationship in November 2001, four months before his tragic passing. However, they continued to work together professionally on their movie “Got 2 Believe.” Barretto explained that they had agreed to remain professional until Yan could move out in January 2002.
Barretto revealed that an incident that occurred during the Ad Congress became the breaking point in their relationship. This event involved Yan and other TV heartthrobs, known as The Hunks, and led to Barretto asking Yan to move out of their shared condo in January. By March, she made it clear that there was no chance of reconciliation.
Despite their disagreements, Barretto clarified that Yan never turned violent towards her. She mentioned that she was not romantically involved with Raymart Santiago, who was rumored to be a third party in their relationship, but that they spent time together due to their close-knit families.
Yan tragically passed away on March 29, 2002, while on vacation in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. He died of cardiac arrest due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis at the age of 27. Barretto concluded the interview by expressing that she has forgiven herself and Yan for their mistakes, and that this would be the last time she speaks publicly about him, choosing to celebrate his memory privately.
