DOJ orders BI to facilitate return to PH of ex-PNP colonel Garma after Nov. 7 arrest in US

The Department of Justice (DOJ) directed the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to facilitate the return to the Philipppines of retired police colonel Royina Garma who was reportedly arrested and detained in San Francisco, California in the United States last Nov. 7.

In a statement, the DOJ said the order was issued by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla after receipt of information from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which confirmed that "former police colonel Royina Garma and Angelica Garma Vilela were arrested and detained in San Francisco, California, USA.”

“The arrest and detention of the two individuals occurred on Nov. 7, 2024,” the DOJ said noting the information from the PNP and the DILG.

“We are committed to seeing justice served in every case and to upholding the integrity of our justice system, especially when it involves our country's significant issues and concerns,” Remulla said.

“While we work to ensure the safe return of Ms. Garma, we trust that she will remain cooperative with all ongoing investigations,” he also said. 

During the House of Representatives quad committee hearings, Garma has made revelations during the drug war under the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte including the involvement of police officers in some high-profile killings and the implementation of a reward system for policemen who killed drug suspects.

The DOJ expressed hope that “despite the recent lifting of her contempt order by Congress, Ms. Garma will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing government investigations stemming from recent congressional hearings.”