The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has asked the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a “red notice” against former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma.
Interpol’s “red notice” is a “request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.”
NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago said the bureau sought Interpol’s assistance after the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 279 issued an order dated Oct. 15 that granted the motion of the prosecution to cancel the passports as well as issue hold departure orders (HDOs) against Garma and her co-accused.
Garma and her co-accused are facing murder and frustrated murder charges before the RTC for the 2020 killing of PCSO board secretary and retired police general Wesley Barayuga and for the injuries sustained by the victim's driver Jun Gunao.
Two of her co-accused have already surrendered to the NBI -- Police Lt. Col. Santie Fuentes Mendoza and dismissed policeman Nelson Enriquez Mariano.
The other accused in the case are retired police colonel and former National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and Jeremy Causapin.
Garma returned to the Philippines last Sept. 6 after being denied asylum in the United States but left for Malaysia on Sept. 7 to talk to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a witness against former president Rodrigo R. Duterte who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands on charges of crimes against humanity.
DOJ Prosecutor General Richard Anthony A. Fadullon welcomed the move made by the RTC.
If the issuance of a “red notice,” Fadullon – during the sidelines of the 2025 National Alternative Dispute Resolution Convention (NADRC) held at the Manila Hotel on Thursday, Oct. 16 -- said Garma’s movements would be restricted and will help in bringing her back to the Philippines.