Sarah Barayuga, the widow of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Board Secretary Wesley Barayuga, clarified that she did not sign a criminal complaint related to her husband's murder, citing a lack of notification regarding the evidence gathered by authorities.
"I wish to clarify that I have not committed to signing the criminal complaint against the suspects involved in my husband’s death, as I have not been informed of the evidence gathered so far or its strength in securing a conviction," Mrs. Barayuga said in a statement.
She emphasized that while she welcomes any coordination with government investigative agencies, she believes the Philippine National Police (PNP) has the authority to pursue criminal charges against the suspects without the direct involvement of the victim’s family members.
"Therefore, my signature should not be considered necessary for the case to proceed," she added.
Mrs. Barayuga also expressed her desire for justice, stating, "If the PNP already possesses a strong case to hold the suspects accountable, I would be deeply grateful to see justice served for my husband."
Wesley Barayuga’s murder case remains under investigation. He was shot and killed in Mandaluyong City on July 30, 2020.
Initially suspected to be a drug-related crime, the case took a new turn when Police Lieutenant Colonel Santi Mendoza testified in late September 2024 during a House Quad Committee hearing.
Mendoza claimed that Barayuga was killed because he planned to expose corruption involving former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma and National Police Commission (Napolcom) commissioner Edilberto Leonardo.
Mendoza’s testimony has prompted renewed focus on the case, though both Garma and Leonardo have denied the allegations.
