MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has tasked the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to assist in repatriating former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma, who was detained in San Francisco on November 7, 2024.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the DOJ confirmed that Garma and her daughter, Angelica Garma Vilela, were detained in the US, but did not provide further details about the arrest. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said BI Commissioner Joel Viado has been directed to oversee Garma’s return.
Remulla expressed hope that Garma, a key figure in ongoing investigations, will continue cooperating with the Philippine government. Garma previously testified before the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee, where she implicated former president Rodrigo Duterte in the alleged Davao Death Squad (DDS) and a reward system for drug-related killings.
“We are committed to upholding justice and integrity, especially in critical cases like this,” Remulla said. “While Garma’s legal case is still being built, we consider her an important witness, and she will be offered witness protection for her cooperation.”
In addition to the drug-related investigation, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon announced that the task force investigating extrajudicial killings (EJKs) will also reopen the case of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga, who was murdered in 2020. A police officer has implicated Garma in the killing.
“The DOJ remains committed to supporting law enforcement and ensuring accountability,” Fadullon stated.
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