Police Lieutenant Colonel Santie Mendoza of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Drug Enforcement Group and former Police Corporal Nelson Mariano, who served as witnesses at the House quad-committee hearing on Friday, voluntarily went to the House of Representatives to reveal what they know about the 2020 murder of former PCSO Board Secretary Wesley Barayuga.
In an interview on Dos Por Dos on Monday, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Ace Barbers said Mendoza personally approached their office, expressing difficulty with his current situation.
"Kagaya ni Santi [Mendoza], siya ay lumapit, nagsabi na nahihirapan na sa kaniyang kalagayan at nakukonsensya. Humingi siya ng tulong sa Quad-Comm, pumunta sa opisina at nagdala ng isang kaibigan din na taga-Laguna," Barbers stated.
Barbers further explained that, initially, Mendoza was hesitant to disclose anything due to fear.
"Noong una kaya hindi namin pinapansin, parang ayaw pa niya magsabi dahil takot siya. 'Pag siya ay may admission against self-interest pero bandang huli siguro dahil nakunsensya naglakas-loob na at sinabi ang katotohanan sa amin," Barbers added.
The congressman emphasized that while many individuals want to testify, they must meet specific requirements, such as submitting a sworn affidavit, which Mendoza had complied with.
"Kitang-kita sa kanilang reaksyon habang nagsasalita si Mendoza na parang gulat na gulat. Dahil noong pumasok sa loob ng hall ito at isa pang witness ay ikinagulat ng dalawa. Hindi nila inaasahan na magwi-witness," said Barbers,
"Noong ipinakilala namin siya, tinanong muna namin kung ano nangyari kay Wesley Barayuga sa pagkakapatay sa kaniya. Nakakapagtaka dahil sa loob ng 4 na taon ay walang report," he added.
When questioned about the circumstances, Mendoza claimed that he was pressured to label Barayuga as a "high-value target." He was provided with a synopsis, photo, and alleged evidence of Barayuga's involvement in illegal drugs.
Wesley Barayuga, a former board secretary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), was ambushed and shot dead in Mandaluyong City in February 2020.
His murder occurred at a time when the PCSO was under scrutiny due to allegations of corruption and involvement in illegal activities, including the illegal numbers game known as "jueteng."
Barayuga’s case has long been suspected to have connections with these controversies, but no substantial leads have been made public until now.
