PNP chief orders CIDG to reopen probe into Barayuga slay

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Sunday to reopen the investigation into the death of retired police general and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Board Secretary Wesley Barayuga.

In his report on Super Radyo dzBB, Luisito Santos said Police General Rommel Marbil issued the order after new information surfaced that Barayuga’s killing in 2020 is allegedly linked to a senior government official during testimonies during a Quadcom hearing of the House of Representatives.

A policeman on Friday accused former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma and National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo of ordering the July 2020 killing of Barayuga.

Marbil said these revelations call for a full investigation in order for Barayuga and his family to receive justice.

According to Jonathan Andal’s 24 Oras Weekend report, the CIDG will lead the investigation.

In a separate statement on October 2, the PNP said Marbil also ordered a probe into the “internal processes that led to his inclusion in a drug watch list posthumously.”

"We are committed to thoroughly investigating the brutal murder of Gen. Barayuga, but equally important is the need to audit our internal mechanisms that may have contributed to this erroneous association," said Marbil.

"We must dig deeper into why General Barayuga's name appeared on a drug list after his death. This highlights a critical need to scrutinize and overhaul our processes," he added.

He added that solid evidence and a stringent validation process must be provided to include a person on a crime-related list.

"Our internal systems must be airtight. We need to ensure that every name on a crime-related list is supported by credible intelligence and goes through a rigorous validation process. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of the PNP and protecting the lives and reputations of those involved," he said.

Meanwhile, Manila lawmaker Benny Abante said the investigation of the House Quad Committee, of which he is co-chairman, is not only in aid of legislation but also in aid of prosecution.

He said the mastermind of Barayuga’s killing should be revealed and held accountable.

The batchmates of Barayuga in the Philippine Military Academy lauded the House joint committees for their probe into the alleged masterminds of his killing.

They said that while it will not bring Barayuga back, they know there are people in the government who are making an effort to seek justice. — with Mariel Celine Serquiña and Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF/BM/VBL, GMA Integrated News