BY JHON ALDRIN CASINAS
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) vowed that no stone will be left unturned in its bid to seek justice following the tragic death of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga on Thursday.
In a statement, the PCSO condemned the ambush on Barayuga that also saw his driver Jojo Gunao sustain gunshot wound. He is now confined at a hospital for treatment.
“With sadness, PCSO extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Atty. Wesley A. Barayuga, our colleague, friend and family. His untimely demise is a loss to PCSO,” the statement read.
“His selfless dedication to public service will always be remembered. PCSO will not stop and leave any stone unturned in its quest for justice on this tragic event. May he rest in peace,” it added.
Barayuga was the second government official killed by motorcycle-riding assailants in the metropolis in just a week.
On Monday, two unidentified gunmen onboard a motorcycle shot and killed National Center for Mental Health chief Roland Cortez along Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City.
The attack was only hours before President Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives.
Mandaluyong Police chief Col. Hector Grijaldo Jr said Barayuga, a lawyer, and Gunao just left the PCSO Headquarters on Shaw Boulevard onboard a white pickup.
While cruising Calbayog Street in Barangay Highway Hills, a lone gunman onboard a motorcycle suddenly emerged and fired upon their vehicle at 3:30 p.m.
Grijaldo said Barayuga, who was seated on the passenger’s side, was hit on the back of his head. He died on the spot.
Four spent shells of .45-caliber pistol were recovered from the crime scene, police said.
According to the statement, the security office of the PCSO is now coordinating with the authorities to immediately identify those behind the ambush “so that justice will be served.”
Initial police report showed that the gunman was wearing a black jacket, maroon shorts, and a red helmet. He was seen on board a blue motorcycle speeding towards the direction of D.M. Guevarra Street.
The attack was only hours before President Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives. (Jhon Aldrin Casinas)
