Barayuga’s widow, driver to file murder complaint vs. Garma, Leonardo

Officials are awaiting the signature of the widow of retired general and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) executive Wesley Barayuga to the murder complaint against personalities allegedly involved in the killing of her husband, according to a "24 Oras" report by Ian Cruz.

“Meron na pong nakaprepare na affidavit. Kung meron pa pong idadagdag po doon sa affidavit ay open ang PNP,” said PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo.

(We have prepared the affidavit. The PNP will welcome additional information that needs to be added.)

Among the possible respondents in the complaint are former National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma, Lieutenant Colonel Santie Mendoza, police officer Nelson Mariano, and an alias Loloy, the hired gunman.

Garma and Leonardo allegedly ordered the killing, while Mendoza and Mariano looked for the hitman.

Also to be included in the complaint is PCSO personnel Sergeant Jeremy Causapin alias Toks, who allegedly handed the payment from Garma.

The driver of Barayuga will also file a complaint of frustrated murder.

“Buhay po yung driver po ni Wesley Barayuga po at kasama po siya sa magiging complainant po doon po sa kaso. So, frustrated murder po ito with respect po doon sa driver po ni Barayuga kasi nabuhay po siya,” added Fajardo.

(Wesley Barayuga’s driver is alive and will be among the complainants in the case.)

Meanwhile, the PNP will continue its investigation into the revelations of Garma at the QuadComm hearing regarding the alleged reward system for police officers who would be able to kill drug suspects during the Duterte administration.

“This is a challenging time for the institution but confident ang PNP leadership na malalagpasan ito. And the only way na malalagpasan natin ito is tutulong tayo na ma-resolba, ma-imbestigahan ng tama itong mga kaso na ito. That’s the only way na makakabangon yung institusyon na wala tayong pagtatakpan. No cover up dito sa sinabing alleged reward system,” Fajardo claimed.

(This is a challenging time for the institution but the PNP leadership is confident that we can overcome this, and the only way we can overcome this is to help resolve and investigate this case correctly. That is the only way that the institute will rise through this without covering anything. There will be no cover-up on this alleged reward system.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News