‘Mistahs’ of slain ex-PCSO exec Barayuga laud quad comm probers

Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza testifies before the House quad-committee, claiming that former police colonels Edilberto Leonardo and Royina Garma masterminded the killing of ex-PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga. FILE PHOTO / House of Representatives media bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983 commended the House of Representatives quad committee for conducting hearing that led to the identification of the alleged masterminds behind the killing of their “mistah” (batchmate) Wesley Barayuga in July 2020.

PMA Class 1983 president Retired Airforce Col. Enrique Dela Cruz recognized the efforts of the House panels investigating the bloody “drug war” during the previous administration.

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

During the quad comm’s seventh hearing, Police Lt. Col. Santi Mendoza revealed that he was asked by National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and retired police colonel Royina Garma to carry out an operation against Barayuga.

“On behalf of the family of our dear mistah, we also convey their profound gratitude for the identification of the suspected assailants. It may not bring our dear Wesley back but it is reassuring that there are people in government who are doing their best to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement reads.

“Such service and commitment to deliver justice and righteous acts as you do today give us confidence that our nation is indeed represented by wise, courageous, and honorable men,” it adds.

Following Mendoza’s revelation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) likewise ordered the reopening of the murder investigation of Barayuga, a retired general and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office board secretary.

According to PNP, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has been tasked with leading the reinvestigation.

Barayuga was shot dead in July 2020 on his way home from the PCSO headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

Police said the lawyer was gunned down by an unidentified assailant on a motorcycle along 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 were looking into an old grudge and his work as a board secretary who signs important official resolutions and PCSO documents as among possible motives behind the attack.