In a statement, Marbil called for a comprehensive reinvestigation in light of the testimony made by Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza during a House quad committee hearing last Sept. 27, claiming that Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo of the National Police Commission and former PCSO general manager and former police colonel Royina Garma orchestrated the murder.
"This revelation demands a thorough reinvestigation of the murder. No one is above the law, and we will seek justice for retired Gen. Wesley Barayuga and his family with the full resources of the PNP," Marbil said.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will lead the reinvestigation, reviewing all evidence and collaborating with other agencies to ensure impartiality and transparency.
"We are committed to uncovering the truth, regardless of the position or power of those involved. The public can rest assured that we will hold those responsible accountable," Marbil said.
Mendoza testified before the quad committee that Garma was the brains behind the murder, and also tagged Leonardo as the one who instructed him in February 2020 to get rid of Barayuga, who turned out to have a spat with Garma.
According to Mendoza, Garma's order to kill Barayuga was relayed through Leonardo.
Mendoza, a former member of the PNP's Drug Enforcement Group, admitted that Leonardo called him for a "special operation" against Barayuga, who had been accused of being a "high-value" target in former president Rodrigo Duterte's drug war.
Mendoza also disclosed Garma gave Leonardo. P300,000 for the job, which he, in turn, gave to an alleged gunman - a certain "Toks" and police corporal Nelson Mariano. He said he also received P40,000 as "part of payment" for recruiting the alleged assassins.
Esta historia es de la edición September 30, 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 30, 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
Absence and presents
TOWARDS JUSTICE
Toxic politics and stability
EYES WIDE OPEN
Impeaching the VP
As Vice President Sara Duterte expected, an impeachment complaint was filed against her yesterday.
Decompress
For a change, the past week saw less political attacks between the warring factions, no midnight rants and no threatening words.
OVP failed to track beneficiaries of disaster aid - COA
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) failed to track beneficiaries and identify the disasters targeted by its welfare distribution programs amounting to over P176 million in 2023, the Commission on Audit (COA) said in its latest audit report.
Nationwide public consultation on motorcycle issues urged
Angkasangga party-list has called for further public consultations on issues affecting motorcycle riders across different regions, emphasizing the need for a truly national transport plan that reflects the realities of the sector alongside all other public utility vehicles, including tricycles.
Abandoned children, abused women get early Christmas presents
Abandoned children and women victims of abuse received early Christmas presents from President Marcos yesterday.
Sandigan affirms Jinggoy acquittal
The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the acquittal of Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada of indirect and direct bribery.
Comelec to bring voters' education roadshow to churches
The Commission on Elections intends to bring its voters' education roadshow to churches and other big venues in the country.
Gov't lowers growth target, but optimistic for 2025
The economic team of the Marcos administration has lowered its growth target for 2024, but adopted a more optimistic outlook for 2025 and beyond.
