QUEZON CITY — Two officers from the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) have been relieved of duty as authorities revisit the investigation into the 2020 murder of Wesley Barayuga, a retired police general and board secretary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo announced the relief of Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza and Col. Hector Grijaldo during a press briefing at Camp Crame. This decision follows a directive from PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, tasking the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) with leading a thorough and impartial reinvestigation of the case, which includes reassessing all evidence and collaborating with relevant agencies.
Mendoza, now under restrictive custody at Camp Crame’s Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit, was implicated during a recent hearing by the House Quad Committee in the assassination plot, which pointed to former PCSO general manager Royina Garma’s involvement. Mendoza testified that he had been contacted by National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in 2019, who labeled Barayuga as a high-value target linked to illegal drug activities. He claimed that he was persuaded to coordinate with police informant Nelson Mariano, who allegedly arranged the hit with a hitman known only as ‘Loloy.’
Col. Grijaldo, who was the chief of police in Mandaluyong City at the time of Barayuga’s death, has also been relieved. The case gained significant attention when Barayuga was fatally shot by a motorcycle-riding gunman while inside his car in Mandaluyong City.
Fajardo emphasized the PNP’s commitment to conducting a no-holds-barred investigation, stating that there will be “no sacred cows,” and the inquiry will strictly follow wherever the evidence leads. Additionally, security measures are being arranged for Mariano and other key figures likely to provide crucial information during the reinvestigation.