The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the reopening of the investigation into the murder of retired police general and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) executive Wesley Barayuga, following a new testimony linking high-ranking officials to the 2019 killing.
PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil announced that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been tasked with leading the renewed investigation.
The move comes after Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza revealed during a House Quad Committee hearing on September 27 that he was allegedly ordered by National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma to plan Barayuga’s assassination.
In his testimony, Mendoza claimed that Garma provided intelligence information for the operation, which involved targeting a high-value individual supposedly connected to illegal drugs.
Given these serious allegations, Marbil emphasized the need to reopen the case and re-examine the details surrounding the high-profile murder.