Wesley Barayuga Biography: Age, Cause Of Death, Career, PCSO, Wife, Children
Wesley Barayuga Biography
Wesley Barayuga was a former police general who served as the board secretary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). He was tragically killed in an ambush in Mandaluyong City on July 30, 2020. Barayuga was shot multiple times while inside his vehicle by gunmen on motorcycles.
His assassination has been linked to allegations that senior government officials, including former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma and Napolcom Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, ordered the killing. This incident is part of a broader investigation into extrajudicial killings connected to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug operations.
Wesley Barayuga Age
Wesley Barayuga was 62 years old when he was tragically ambushed and killed in Mandaluyong City on July 30, 2020.
Wesley Barayuga Educational Background
Wesley Barayuga graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) as part of the Class of 1983. Following his military education, he went on to earn a law degree from the University of San Agustin.
Wesley Barayuga Career
Wesley Barayuga had a significant career that spanned both military service and government roles. After serving as a police general, Barayuga transitioned into various government positions. One of his most prominent roles was as the board secretary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), where he played a critical role in overseeing the agency’s operations.
He was appointed to this position on January 24, 2018. Barayuga was known for his involvement in efforts to clean up the roster of small-town lottery operators, an initiative that sought to address illegal gambling activities, particularly in regions like Central Luzon and the Visayas.
Before his time with the PCSO, Barayuga had a long career in the Philippine National Police (PNP). He retired from the service in 2014 with the rank of police general, having held the position of deputy director for logistics at Camp Crame, the national headquarters of the PNP. His career in the police force was marked by his deep involvement in logistical operations, helping ensure the effective management of resources for the national police.
As part of his responsibilities with the PCSO, Barayuga was closely involved in policy-making and organizational restructuring aimed at making the state lottery more transparent and efficient. His leadership was instrumental in trying to minimize corruption within the agency, especially in areas where illegal gambling was prevalent. These efforts put him at odds with certain groups, and he became entangled in a complex political landscape that likely contributed to the events leading up to his assassination in 2020.
Throughout his career, Barayuga was a dedicated public servant, and his experience in both law enforcement and administration allowed him to navigate the challenges of public office. His role at PCSO, combined with his background in the police force, positioned him as a figure of influence, especially in the areas of anti-corruption and regulatory oversight.
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Wesley Barayuga’s Death
Wesley Barayuga met a tragic and violent end on July 30, 2020, when he was ambushed and killed in broad daylight. The assassination took place in Mandaluyong City as Barayuga was on his way home from a board meeting at the PCSO office. According to reports, Barayuga was shot multiple times by motorcycle-riding gunmen while his vehicle was at a standstill at the intersection of Calbayog and Malinao streets in Barangay Highway Hills.
The gunmen targeted Barayuga with precision, firing several shots into his vehicle, fatally wounding him. His driver also sustained injuries but survived the attack. The assassination occurred amid rumors and allegations linking Barayuga to illegal drug activities, though these accusations remain unverified. Investigations into his death later implicated high-ranking government officials, including former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma and National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, who were accused of orchestrating the hit.
Testimonies from a police lieutenant colonel suggested that Barayuga’s killing was linked to a larger conspiracy related to the Duterte administration’s drug war. Despite denials from the accused officials, the circumstances of Barayuga’s death continue to raise questions, with the investigation shedding light on the murky connections between government figures and extrajudicial killings during that period.
Wesley Barayuga Wife and Children
Details regarding Wesley Barayuga’s wife and children are not publicly disclosed.
FAQs
Who was Wesley Barayuga?
Wesley Barayuga was a former police general who later served as the board secretary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). He was involved in various government roles, including reforming illegal gambling activities in the Philippines.
What role did Wesley Barayuga hold in the PCSO?
Barayuga served as the board secretary of the PCSO starting from January 24, 2018. He played a key role in overseeing operations and reforms within the organization.
What was Wesley Barayuga’s background before joining the PCSO?
Before joining the PCSO, Barayuga had a long career in law enforcement. He retired from the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2014, holding the rank of police general and serving as the deputy director for logistics at Camp Crame.
Was Wesley Barayuga involved in illegal activities?
There were rumors and speculations linking Barayuga to illegal drug activities, but these allegations were not confirmed, and investigations into his death explored both work-related and personal motives.
Why was Wesley Barayuga assassinated?
Barayuga was ambushed and killed in Mandaluyong City on July 30, 2020. Investigations suggest that his assassination may have been related to his work at the PCSO, particularly his efforts to reform illegal gambling.
Was anyone held accountable for Wesley Barayuga’s death?
Several high-ranking officials were implicated in his murder, but investigations are ongoing. His assassination remains a controversial case tied to broader issues of corruption and extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration.
What was Wesley Barayuga’s rank in the police force before retirement?
Barayuga retired as a police general from the Philippine National Police in 2014, serving as the deputy director for logistics at the time of his retirement.
