The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Batch of 1980, in a joint statement signed by 88 members of the class, condemned the murder of lawyer and retired General Wesley Aguilar Barayuga
In the statement, 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 noted Barayuga’s dedication to public service, describing him as a man of honor and a beloved husband to Sarah Magalona-Barayuga, who is also 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.
Recent hearings by the Quad Committee have revealed testimonies suggesting 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 PSHS Batch ’80, in a letter issued alongside the statement, conveyed their appreciation to the Quad Committee for its investigative efforts.
The Quad Committee is comprised 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.
“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,” PSHS ’80 wrote.
The letter, signed by PSHS Batch ’80 President Caesar Zaldarriaga, was addressed to Representatives Robert Ace S. Barbers, Dan S. Fernandez, Bienvenido M. Abante Jr., and Joseph Stephen “Caraps” S. Paduano, the respective chairs of the Quad Committee’s subcommittees.
The batch’s statement expressed their gratitude for the committee’s “invaluable efforts” in reopening the investigation.
“We hope that this will bring us closer to the resolution that Atty. Barayuga’s legacy deserves,” the statement read.
Earlier, Barayuga’s classmates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983 also issued a statement expressing similar sentiments and thanking the Quad Committee for its commitment to the case.
PMA Class of 1983 emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging lawmakers to pursue justice for Barayuga, a respected and decorated member of their class.