The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Mandaluyong City, Branch 279, has issued Hold Departure Orders (HDOs) against former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma, former National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and three others in connection with the assassination of former PCSO executive Wesley Barayuga.
In an order dated October 15, 2025, the court directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to prevent the accused from leaving the country pending the resolution of the cases.
The HDOs were issued in relation to Criminal Case Nos. R-MND-25-01035-CR and R-MND-25-01036-CR, filed for murder and frustrated murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
Aside from Garma and Leonardo, the other accused named in the order are Jeremy Zapata Causapin, Santie Fuentes Mendoza, and Nelson Enriquez Mariano. A certain John Doe alias “Loloy” was also identified as part of the case.
The charges stem from the fatal ambush of former PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga, who was gunned down in 2024. Investigators linked the suspects to the alleged plot following witness testimonies and forensic findings.
Under OCA Circular No. 39-97, the Hold Departure Order prevents the accused from leaving the Philippines while the trial is ongoing to ensure their appearance before the court.
The Mandaluyong RTC’s directive marks a significant development in the ongoing probe into one of the most high-profile murder cases involving former government officials.