A police officer testified in a House inquiry that former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma ordered the assassination of PCSO Board Secretary Wesley Barayuga.
Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza claimed Garma masterminded the killing, relaying instructions through Col. Edilberto Leonardo, who pressured him to comply by suggesting it would impact his career.
The assassination plan, delayed due to COVID-19 lockdowns, was eventually executed in June 2020, involving a police informant who hired a hitman.
Mendoza also alleged that Garma authorized a payment of P300,000 to those involved in the plot after Barayuga’s death.
Garma denied the accusations during questioning, expressing shock at the claims, while lawmakers discussed the need to revive the death penalty to deter heinous crimes.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 28, 2024
