The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Retired Police Colonel Royina Garma and her daughter, Angela Garma Vilela were arrested and detained by police in America upon their arrival there on November 7.
Garma is being implicated in the murder of former Board Member of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Wesley Barayoga.
The retired colonel also revealed in the congressional investigation about the reward system implemented during the height of the war on drugs under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
DOJ Spokesperson Mico Clavano announced that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has instructed Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado to handle Garma’s return to the Philippines.
In September, Garma was cited in contempt by the House Quad Committee for avoiding questions about her past relationship with former President Duterte.
During Duterte’s time, Garma was appointed as the Head of the PCSO, but she said they were not close to the former president.
The contempt order against Garma was only lifted on November 1, but just a week later, it was reported that she fled and was arrested in San Francisco, California, USA.
The report does not clarify the basis for the arrest of Garma and her daughter by the US police.
(HRep Photo)
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.