PNP chief reopens probe into ex-PCSO exec’s murder

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil yesterday ordered the immediate reopening of the investigation into the 2020 murder of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary and retired PNP general Wesley Barayuga.

In a statement, Marbil called for a comprehensive reinvestigation in light of the testimony made by Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza during a House quad committee hearing last Sept. 27, claiming that Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo of the National Police Commission and former PCSO general manager and former police colonel Royina Garma orchestrated the murder.

“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.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will lead the reinvestigation, reviewing all evidence and collaborating with other agencies to ensure impartiality and transparency.

“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 said.

Mendoza testified before the quad committee that Garma was the brains behind the murder, and also tagged Leonardo as the one who instructed him in February 2020 to get rid of Barayuga, who turned out to have a spat with Garma.

According to Mendoza, Garma’s order to kill Barayuga was relayed through Leonardo.

Mendoza, a former member of the PNP’s Drug Enforcement Group, admitted that Leonardo called him for a “special operation” against Barayuga, who had been accused of being a “high-value” target in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war.

Mendoza also disclosed Garma gave Leonardo P300,000 for the job, which he, in turn, gave to an alleged gunman – a certain “Toks” – and police corporal Nelson Mariano. He said he also received P40,000 as “part of payment” for recruiting the alleged assassins.

Barayuga was shot four times and killed in July 2020 at close range by one of two gunmen aboard separate motorbikes at the corner of Calbayog and Malinaw streets in Barangay