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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ to offer witness protection to Royina Garma

DOJ to offer witness protection to Royina Garma

Published Nov 12, 2024 09:50 am

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said his office will consider placing retired police colonel Royina Garma under the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Witness Protection Program (WPP).

Remulla on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12, said that Garma is considered "a very important witness" by the House of Representatives Quad-Committee that is investigating the illegal drugs operations during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

He said the offer will be made despite Garma's plight to the United States where she was arrested last Nov. 7 in San Francisco, California due to a cancelled visa. Also arrested by US authories was Garma's daughter Angelica.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has been ordered by Remulla to facilitate the repatriation of Garma to the Philippines.

 “In any case, she's considered a very important witness by the quad comm. That's why we intend to offer her witness protection for that matter,” Remulla said. 

At the moment, Remulla said “the cases against Garma or those involving her have not yet been filed.”

“We're still conducting case build-up,” he also said. 

Remulla recalled that while Garma was in Japan on her way to the US, she was denied a boarding pass due to a cancelled visa. 

“I think that is a human rights issue that was considered by the US government in canceling her visa,” he said. He did not elaborate.

Once Garma returns to the Philippines, Remulla said “we will offer her protection and we will make sure that she is in contact with us because we have to avoid incidents.”

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