Chief Orders Reopening of Investigation into PCSO Official’s Murder Following Explosive Revelations

Police Lieutenant Colonel Santie Mendoza's revelations that NAPOLCOM Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma were involved in the murder of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga have prompted Chief of Police Rommel Marbil of the Philippine National Police to order a reopening of the investigation into the event.

Following Police Lieutenant Colonel Santie Mendoza's disclosures during the September 27 House of Representatives Quad Committee hearing, an order was issued.

In his testimony before the committee, Mendoza said that the murder was planned by former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma and Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

Mendoza claimed that Garma had supplied intelligence for the operation, which was aimed at a valuable person connected to illicit substances.

Nonetheless, Garma and Leonardo refuted every accusation made against them.

Barayuga passed away in Mandaluyong City in July 2020, presumably as a result of his alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking. Rep. Romeo Acop, a member of the House probe, stated that he might have been murdered for opposing lottery expansion.

“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.

"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.