ILOILO CITY – The family of Wesley Barayuga, a former board secretary for the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO), expressed renewed hope for justice following the reopening of his murder case, an ordeal that has lingered unresolved since his death in 2020.
According to Philippines News Agency, the family issued a statement on Wednesday, expressing gratitude towards the Quad Committee at the House of Representatives and the witnesses who testified, bringing new attention to the case. “This gives us comfort even while we know that we are still far from receiving justice,” they shared. The family highlighted that for the last four years, Barayuga’s case had not been a priority, and they now feel a sense of progress.
The murder of Wesley A. Barayuga, initially alleged to be drug-related, is seen by his family as a wrongful attempt to tarnish his reputation. “We believe that this is God’s way of serving justice and clearing Wesley A. Barayuga’s name,” the statement added, indicating their belief in his vindication through the renewed investigation efforts.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered the reinvestigation on September 29, following ongoing advocacy by the family and supporters. Barayuga, who served as a retired general and the director of the Iloilo City Police Office from 2006 to 2008, was fatally shot by a motorcycle-riding gunman along Calbayog St. in Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City, in July 2020.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas also commented on the case, recalling Barayuga’s tenure as a city director. “He was one of the good-performing city directors under me during my first term as mayor. It’s a pity for Col. Wesley,” Treñas said, reflecting on the significant loss to the community and his administration.