The Quad Committee in the House of Representatives is set to present another witness who will support the allegations that former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma masterminded the murder of board secretary Atty. Wesley Barayuga.
Quad Committee Chairman Robert Ace Barbers revealed that Nelson Mariano, an alleged accomplice of Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza, will testify to strengthen claims that Garma ordered the assassination of Barayuga.
Mariano, a former police officer dismissed due to administrative charges, reportedly had connections with known hitmen, which led Mendoza to contact him.
Barbers also emphasized the importance of another witness, identified only as “Toks,” a member of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and allegedly a close associate of Garma within the PCSO.
Toks is said to have delivered the ₱300,000 reward to Mariano and Mendoza after the killing.
He also allegedly provided information about Barayuga’s departure from his office, the vehicle he was using, and even handed over a photograph of the target.
Additionally, Barbers mentioned that the Department of Justice is currently evaluating whether Mendoza is eligible for the Witness Protection Program.
This is critical, as general rules often prohibit active government personnel from entering the program.