PNP chief orders reinvestigation of Barayuga murder

Metro Manila, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PGen. Rommel Marbil has ordered the reinvestigation of the murder of retired police general and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga in 2020.

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will lead the reopened probe. They will reevaluate the evidence and pursue fresh leads on the case.

“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 on Sunday, Sept. 29.

“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," he added.

Marbil’s directive came after PLtCol. Santie Mendoza testified during the House quad-committee’s probe on the war on drugs and extrajudicial killings.

Mendoza claimed National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma planned the murder and directed him to execute it.

Mendoza hired another person to carry out the killing.

Garma, former Cebu City police chief, said the operation is related to illegal drug activities, Mendoza recalled.

According to reports, a motorcycle-riding gunman shot Barayuga who was in his car in Mandaluyong City.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Military Academy Matikas Class of 1983 expressed gratitude to the House quad-committee as its inquiry led to the identification of suspects in the assassination of their mistah.

“Your persistent efforts and incisive line of questioning have given light and hope for the successful resolution of Wesley’s tragic assassination four years ago,” they said in a statement.

“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,” they added.