The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Batch of 1980 has expressed gratitude to the Quad Comm of the House of Representatives for its ongoing efforts to investigate the extrajudicial killing (EJK)-style murder of retired General Wesley Aguilar Barayuga.
In a joint statement signed by 88 members, PSHS Batch ’80 highlighted the importance of seeking justice for Barayuga, whose brutal murder in 2020 remains unsolved.
Barayuga, who was serving as Board Secretary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) at the time, was shot dead on July 30, 2020, in what is now believed to have been a targeted assassination.
The PSHS alumni took note of Barayuga’s dedication to public service, describing him as a man of honor and a beloved husband to Sarah Magalona-Barayuga, who is a member of PSHS Batch ’80.
The Quad Comm’s recent hearings have revealed testimonies that point to high-level involvement in Barayuga’s killing.
Witnesses have alleged that former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma ordered Barayuga’s assassination, sparking outrage among those who knew him.
The Quad Comm, composed of the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts, has been investigating these allegations as part of its broader probe into extrajudicial killings linked to the previous administration.
In a letter to the Quad Comm, members of PSHS Batch ‘80 conveyed their appreciation for the committee’s investigative efforts.
The letter, signed by PSHS Batch ’80 President Caesar Zaldarriaga, was addressed to Reps. Robert Ace Barbers, Dan Fernandez, Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Joseph Stephen Paduano, the respective chairs of the Quad Comm committees.
House Quad Comm co-chairman Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. meanwhile said a sense of honor and delicadeza prompted him to inhibit himself from the mega panel’s proceedings whenever police Col. Hector Grijaldo is a resource person or a witness.
“This act reflects the values that I hold dear – values I believe should be shared by all public servants,” he said.
Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights, said his track record “reflects my belief that decency, honor, and integrity are non-negotiable.”
“While others may not feel bound by these principles, I believe that in the House of Representatives we must lead by example and show our countrymen that they have leaders who will not use their positions to further their own interests,” he added.
The Manila lawmaker and another co-chairman, Rep. Dan Fernandez of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, have earlier announced their decision to stay away from Quad Comm whenever Grijaldo, former Mandaluyong City police chief, testifies.
Grijaldo has claimed that the two co-chairmen have coerced him into confirming the existence of a lucrative system of rewards for rouge policemen and hitmen who killed drug suspects during the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.
Abante said he and Fernandez’s inhibition decision “is the principled thing to do following baseless allegations involving our conversations with a witness called to testify in the ongoing inquiry into the previous administration’s bloody war on drugs.”
“Let me reiterate: There is absolutely no truth to these accusations. By God’s grace, I have strived to always conduct myself with integrity, and I categorically deny any wrongdoing,” he said.
On Thursday, in the course of the mega panel’s 10th hearing on extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro called attention to a joint statement issued by two lawyers of retired police colonel and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma.
In their joint declaration, lawyers Emerito Quilang and Rotciv Cumigad said as witnesses during the meeting between Abante and Fernandez and Grijaldo, “we feel compelled to address the recent claims made regarding the supposed coercion and manipulation of testimony involving Colonel Garma’s affidavit.”
“The discussions were focused on ensuring clarity and understanding of Colonel Garma’s affidavit, particularly regarding any knowledge Colonel Grijaldo might have about the reward system mentioned in it. At no point did any of the congressmen attempt to pressure Mr. Grijaldo into conforming to a predetermined narrative,” they said.
The two lawyers added, “Throughout the meeting, we can affirm that we did not witness any form of coercion or undue influence directed toward Mr. Grijaldo. The discussions taking place were cordial and respectful.”
They pointed out that the two Quad Comm co-chairmen “engaged in a dialogue that was both professional and focused on the matters at hand.”
Garma and retired police Col. Jovie Espenido have testified to the existence of the well-funded reward system for killing drug suspects.
Espenido said funds for the rewards “flowed from the level of Sen. Bong Go (close aide of former President Rodrigo Duterte).”
He said the incentive scheme was funded from intelligence funds and money raised from illegal gambling activities like jueteng, Philippine offshore gambling operators and PCSO’s notorious small-town lotteries (STL).
Garma said several police officers close to Duterte were given STL franchises.
