Marbil orders reopening of probe into ex-PCSO Board Sec. Barayuga’s murder

Screenshot from the CCTV footage showing the motorcycle-riding gunman firing shots at the vehicle of PCSO Board Secretary Wesley Barayuga in Mandaluyong City. (Screenshot provided by the Mandaluyong City PNP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the reopening of the murder investigation of retired general and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga following a new testimony related to the case.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil made the directive on Sunday after Police Lt. Col. Santi Mendoza testified during the House quad committee’s seventh hearing.

Mendoza told lawmakers that he was asked by National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma to carry out an operation against Barayuga.

READ: Napolcom’s Leonardo, Garma tagged in killing of PCSO’s Barayuga

“This revelation demands a thorough reinvestigation of the murder. No one is above the law, and we will seek justice for Ret. Gen. Wesley Barayuga and his family with the full resources of the PNP,” Marbil said in a statement.

Mendoza alleged that both officials orchestrated the murder, claiming that Garma reportedly provided intelligence information for the operation, which she said was “related to a high-value individual connected to illegal drug activities.”

According to Marbil, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been tasked to lead the reinvestigation.

“The CIDG will reevaluate all evidence in light of the new testimony and work closely with other relevant agencies to ensure that the process is thorough, impartial and transparent,” he said.

“We are committed to uncovering the truth, regardless of the position or power of those involved. The public can rest assured that we will hold those responsible accountable,” Marbil guaranteed.

Barayuga, a lawyer and a retired police general, was shot dead in July 2020 on his way home from the PCSO headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

Police said the official was gunned down by an unidentified assailant on a motorcycle around 3:30 p.m. at the corner of Calbayog and Malinaw Streets in Brgy. Highway Hills.

Barayuga suffered injuries in the head, near the neck and one under the armpit.

Authorities previously claimed they were looking into an old grudge and his work as board secretary, who signed important official resolutions and PCSO documents, as among the possible motives behind the attack.