Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file criminal charges next month against those involved in the July 2020 assassination of retired police general and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga. During the 14th meeting of the House quad committee on Tuesday, NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin informed a congressional hearing that the investigation into Barayuga’s murder is nearing completion.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lavin mentioned in a news release that the NBI is wrapping up the investigation and plans to file cases against the suspects in about three weeks. The NBI is currently awaiting the results of a forensic examination on Barayuga’s gadgets, which were provided by his wife. These gadgets were handed over to an agent in Iloilo, Atty. Arnold Diaz, who secured warrants to examine their contents. The gadgets were then sent to the NBI’s main office for examination, with reports expected to be ready in two to three weeks.
Progress in the case was noted in September when Police Lt. Col. Santi Mendoza provided testimony before the quad committee regarding the ambush that resulted in Barayuga’s death on July 30, 2020, near the PCSO office in Mandaluyong City. Mendoza has implicated former PCSO general manager Royina Garma and retired police colonel Edilberto Leonardo as the masterminds behind the fatal ambush.