Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Sunday, Sept. 29, the reopening of the murder case of retired police general and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
This, after an active police official revealed that former PCSO general manager and former police officer Royina Garma, as well as National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, ordered the killing of Barayuga and even arranged the operation to kill him.
“This revelation demands a thorough reinvestigation of the murder. No one is above the law, and we will seek justice for retired general Wesley Barayuga and his family with the full resources of the PNP,” said Marbil.
Barayuga, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1983, was gunned down in 2020 while on his way home after a meeting at the PCSO then headed by Garma.
In an investigation by the Quad-Committee of the House of Representatives, Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza said both Garma and Leonardo instructed him to carry out an operation to eliminate Barayuga.
Mendoza, who was then connected to the PNP’s Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), said that Barayuga was then being linked to illegal drugs operations, a claim that was allegedly relayed to him by Leonardo.
Barayuga was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men in Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City in July 2020. His driver, Jojo Gunao, was wounded
The slow progress of the case prompted the PMA Class 1983 to offer P1 million for any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Four years after the killing, the case of Barayuga remained unsolved—until Mendoza testified before the House of Representatives and detailed his role in the incident.
“In light of these serious allegations, there is a need for a full investigation into the case,” said Marbil.
He said he already instructed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to 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.
“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," The CIDG's reinvestigation, according to Marbil, will revisit previous inquiries and pursue new leads to uncover any additional evidence related to the case.