Another witness is expected to appear before the House of Representatives' Quad Committee to support the claims of Police Lieutenant Colonel Santie Mendoza regarding the killing of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
Mendoza alleged that former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma instructed Napolcom Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo to orchestrate Barayuga’s murder in 2020.
In an exclusive interview on Dos Por Dos on Monday, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Ace Barbers said the House Quad Committee is coordinating with the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) to investigate Mendoza’s allegations.
Barbers mentioned that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently reviewing whether Mendoza qualifies for the witness protection program after his revelations.
"Mukhang iligible siya dito sa witness protection program pero mayroon kasing prohibition itong witness protection prgram na hindi siya mag-aapply sa mga current kawani ng gobyerno pero mayrooon ding excemption," Barbers said.
"Mayroon daw batas na pinasa na kung saan mayroong possibility na maipasok sa witness protection ang mga kawani ng gobyerno lalo na kung law enforcer kapag mabigat yung kaniyang testimonya at ito'y nagawa sa isang legislative inquiry," he added.
In February 2020, Wesley Barayuga was ambushed and shot dead in Mandaluyong City.
At the time of his murder, the PCSO was facing scrutiny over allegations of corruption and involvement in illegal activities, including the illegal numbers game known as "jueteng."
