Marcos accepts Leonardo's resignation over Barayuga murder

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has accepted the resignation of National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, who was implicated in the murder of former PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

Leonardo's resignation, effective immediately, was confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin through a letter to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday.

House dangerous drugs panel chair Ace Barbers has called for murder charges against both Leonardo and retired Police Colonel Royina Garma in connection with Barayuga's assassination.

At the time of the alleged murder, Garma was PCSO general manager while Leonardo served as a NAPOLCOM commissioner; both have denied involvement in the plot.

Leonardo is also accused of having involvement in former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, which is now under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers recently urged President Marcos to submit findings from House hearings on the drug war to the ICC, but Bersamin stated that the Philippines will not return to the ICC.

Asked for comment, Bersamin told reporters that while the Palace supports filing charges, it leaves the decision entirely to the Department of Justice or Ombudsman.