By: Reigh John Bench Almendras
Photo from: GMA News
Ex-Cebu City Chief Royina Garma who revealed the role of former President Duterte in the alleged extrajudicial killings during the war on drugs before the Quad Committee of the House of Representatives left the Philippines last Nov. 7.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed the incident and shared that the ex-cop alongside her daughter was arrested and detained in San Francisco, California on the same day the report was raised.
“In a recent report, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed the arrest and detention of former Police Colonel Royina Garma and Angelica Garma Vilela in San Francisco, California, USA, on November 7, 2024,” he said.
Before leaving, Garma was cited in contempt by the House panel for “evading the questions” regarding her participation in the implementation of the war on drugs by then-president Rodrigo Duterte. She was released by the House mega panel last week after committing her attendance at the next hearings.
In past hearings of the Quad Committee, Garma revealed that the national task force patterned its performance in implementing the war on drugs after the “Davao Model” which provides financial rewards and funding for planned operations and reimbursements for operational expenses.
Meanwhile, former chief executive Rodrigo Duterte denied Garma’s allegations, stating that he never ordered the police to kill individuals involved in illegal drugs without due cause.
"Walang pulis na papasok na ganon. Makukulong sila. Why would they accept that kind of agreement when it will later on bring their downfall. Walang reward 'yan. Hindi ako nagbibigay ng reward," he stated in a Sonshine Media News International (SMNI) program.
According to Justice Spokesperson Clavano, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado to facilitate Garma and her daughter’s return to the Philippines.
“It is fervently hoped that despite the lifting of her contempt order by Congress, and due to the pending investigations on the matters arising from the congressional hearings, she will still be willing to cooperate and collaborate with the Philippine Government,” he stated.