PNP chief reopens Barayuga murder case

(UPDATE) Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Marbil on Sunday ordered the reopening of the case surrounding the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Executive Secretary Wesley Barayuga.

Marbil said he was asked to reopen the Barayuga case after testimony at a House Quad committee hearing last Friday implicated senior police officials in the killing.

Philippine National Police Chief Rommel Marbil. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

Police Lieutenant Colonel Santie Mendoza testified that he was instructed by National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma to take down Barayuga, who was also a retired police general.

Mendoza said Garma, who was also a former police officer, provided him with information about Barayuga, whom she linked to illegal drug activities.

Mendoza, who is currently assigned to the PNP Drug Enforcement Group headquarters in Camp Crame, said he was offered P300,000 for Barayuga’s murder.

Mendoza said that Garma’s order to kill Barayuga was relayed to him through Leonardo.

He said Leonardo had contacted him for a “special operation” against Barayuga.

Garma, who was present at the hearing, denied Mendoza’s claim.

Marbil said the information revealed during the Quad hearing highlighted the need for a more thorough investigation into Barayuga’s death.

“No one is above the law, and we will seek justice for retired Gen. Wesley Barayuga and his family with the full resources of the PNP,” he said.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), under its new director Brig. General Nicolas Torre III has been appointed to lead the reinvestigation.

Marbil said the CIDG would re-evaluate all evidence in light of the new testimony and work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the process is thorough, impartial and transparent.

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

Justice for Barayuga

On Sunday, Barayuga’s party members from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) expressed confidence that his family would finally get justice following the identification of his killer.

Members of the PMA Matikas Class of 1983 also commended the House of Representatives Quad Committee for conducting an investigation that shed light on Barayuga’s death.

In a letter to chairman Martin Romualdez, the group said the Barayuga family will finally achieve justice now that the personalities allegedly involved in his death have been revealed.

“And on behalf of the family of our dear Mistah, we also convey their deep gratitude for the identification of the suspected attackers. It may not bring back our dear Wesley, but it is reassuring that there are people in government doing their best. to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the report said.

The group said the Quad Committee’s “continued efforts and pointed questions have provided light and hope for the successful resolution of the tragic murder of Wesley four years ago.”

Romualdez thanked the Matikas class for their confidence in the committee. “Rest assured, our Quad members will continue to search for the truth amid industry bashing and hate speech,” he said.