The alleged involvement of Garma and Leonardo in the killing of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga was revealed by police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza at yesterday's hearing of the House of Representatives' quad committee on extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration.
In his testimony, Mendoza recalled receiving a call from Leonardo in October 2019 informing him of a "special project involving a high-value individual who is believed involved in illegal drugs." Mendoza noted he was hesitant, but an insistent Leonardo instructed him without giving further details - to wait for a "go signal." In another call in February 2020, Mendoza said Leonardo informed him that the target was Barayuga.
Upon learning of Barayuga's position, Mendoza said he sought further verification but was dissuaded by Leonardo, claiming that the order came from Garma, a former police colonel.
"Despite my hesitation... I was forced to comply because the order came from the higher-up and Col.
Leonardo is an upperclassman while Ma'am Garma is a member of the Cabinet," Mendoza said at the hearing.
According to Mendoza, he felt he had no choice but to follow the kill order for fear of his and his family's lives, as Leonardo and Garma were both close to former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Esta historia es de la edición September 28, 2024 de The Philippine Star.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 28, 2024 de The Philippine Star.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Dylan Menor hopes to carve a place in showbiz
Dylan Menor, born Dylan Nabil Cosgayon Menor, is a 22-year-old Filipino singer and actor who is making his mark in the world of Philippine entertainment.
Julia Barretto's Viu series 'Secret Ingredient' wins at Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards 2024
The Viu Original \"Secret Ingredient,\" a production bringing together characters from the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Korea, has received a Silver Dolphin trophy for Branded Content Videos and a Black Dolphin trophy for Best Cast/On-Camera Talent at the recently concluded Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards 2024.
A musical, pulpy crime thriller, 'Emilia Pérez' swings for the fences
There is so much going on in \"Emilia Pérez,\" the audacious musical/melodrama/crime-thriller from filmmaker Jacques Audiard, it's impossible not to appreciate the sheer ambition of it all.
BEYOND THE GLITZ OF PHL SHOWBIZ'S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN PARTY
If no one is going to do it, rest assured Alist celebrity and event expert Mond Gutierrez will be the trailblazer who would step in to create a platform for personalities to inspire and be inspired to express themselves in one of the most enjoyable occasions of the year — Halloween.
5 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR BATHROOMS THAT SPARK JOY
Making necessary changes in our life can be scary or overwhelming at times, but it can also be a beautiful process. The same can be said about transforming your bathroom into a space that sparks joy in you.
HERE'S HOW TO SHOP GLOBAL WITHOUT TRAVELING
The Mother of All Bazaars, which ushers in the Christmas season, is happening tomorrow.
Klook contributes $7.2 B to Asia-Pacific tourism economy
Klook, Asia's leading platform for experiences and travel services, contributed approximately $7.2 billion in gross domestic product and supported over 219,000 jobs in Asia-Pacific in 2023, reaffirming its pivotal role as an economic engine in the region's tourism sector, according to a study conducted by Oxford Economics.
Korean Air increases Manila-Incheon flights
South Korea's flag carrier is increasing its flight volume between Manila and Incheon to enhance connectivity options and support travel demand along this corridor.
Bukidnon leads provinces in agri, fisheries output
Bukidnon led the provinces in 2023 in terms of the value of agricultural and fisheries production in 2023, accounting for at least six percent of the country's total output, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.
Semirara targets 16 MMT coal production this year
Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), the leading coal producer in the country, is hoping to end the year on a high note with a production target of 16 million metric tons (MMT).
