Pisay Batch ’80 thanks Quad Comm for shedding light on Barayuga’s murder
THE Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Batch of 1980 has expressed deep 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.
“We, the members of the Philippine Science High School Batch of 1980, express our profound indignation over the tragic murder of lawyer and retired General Wesley Aguilar Barayuga,” the statement read.
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.
“Gen. Wesley Barayuga’s life and career were characterized by a dedication to public service, courage, selflessness and a steadfast commitment to justice and fairness,” they said.
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.
“We stand together in this pursuit, united in our belief that Atty. Barayuga’s name must be cleared and that those responsible for this heinous crime must be held accountable,” they wrote.
The letter, signed by PSHS Batch ’80 President Caesar Zaldarriaga, was addressed to Reps. Robert Ace S. Barbers, Dan S. Fernandez, Bienvenido M. Abante Jr. and Joseph Stephen “Caraps” S. Paduano, the respective chairs of the Quad Comm committees.
Earlier, Barayuga’s classmates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983 had also previously issued a statement expressing similar sentiments and thanking the Quad Comm for its commitment to the case.
PMA Class of 1983 emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging lawmakers to pursue justice for Barayuga, who was a respected and decorated member of their class.
They described him as a committed public servant whose murder has left unanswered questions that his family and colleagues hope will soon be resolved.
