The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public Sunday, October 20, that their investigation into the murder of former police general and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga will leave no stone unturned, with no “sacred cows” in the process.
In an interview on GMA 7’s “Super Radyo DZBB,” PNP Public Information Office chief Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo vowed a thorough and impartial probe into the high-profile case.
“We will spare no effort in filing charges and investigating,’ she said. “There will be no ‘sacred cow’ here in the PNP’s investigation… We owe it to the family of the victims, to the people. As an institution, the PNP should come up with a credible investigation this time.”
Barayuga, a retired general, was fatally shot by motorcycle-riding assailants while inside his service vehicle in Mandaluyong City in 2020. His murder is among the “high-priority” cases being addressed, according to Fajardo.
“There [are] new information and revelations and statements coming from the persons who were allegedly involved in these high-profile cases,” the PNP spokesperson said.
The PNP is facing scrutiny over the involvement of some officers in questionable activities, particularly related to anti-drug operations. Fajardo acknowledged the challenges within the institution but emphasized the need for professionalism in handling the probe.
“This is a challenging time for the PNP as an institution. Because of these cases, some PNP personnel are allegedly involved… The only way the PNP can rise from this institutional challenge is to be
professional in the investigation,,” she stated.
Fajardo reiterated the PNP’s commitment to delivering justice to the families of victims and ensuring accountability within the force.
In Barayuga’s case, she revealed that criminal charges are being prepared, and they are waiting for the victim’s family to appear before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) to proceed.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the information that is coming out… We will not allow a few policemen to destroy the image of the PNP,” Fajardo said.
