A Philippine National Police (PNP) officer, Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza, who implicated former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office head Royina Garma in the murder of retired police general Wesley Barayuga, has been relieved of his duties and placed under restrictive custody for his security.
Mendoza testified that Garma and Napolcom Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo orchestrated Barayuga’s murder in July 2020, allegedly connected to Duterte’s war on drugs.
The PNP has launched a comprehensive reinvestigation into Barayuga’s murder and is investigating Garma’s and Leonardo’s involvement, including any higher-ranking officials.
Mendoza is being considered for the government’s Witness Protection Program due to the significance of his testimony.
The reopening of the case has been welcomed by Senator Bong Go, who denied involvement in the murder.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 1, 2024
