THE House of Representatives Quad Committee has issued a strict order for former PCSO general manager Royina Garma to attend the committee hearing currently underway.
According to Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Garma allegedly played a crucial role in the investigation into cases of extrajudicial killings, illegal drug proliferation, and other related crimes. Barbers, the chair of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the Committee on Public Order and Safety, stated that Garma had a critical role in the ‘scripted’ killings of three Chinese nationals during her time at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Davao.
Based on testimonies presented to the committee, Garma was implicated in the ‘drama’ involving Chu Kin Tung, Jackson Li, and Wong, who were detained in a case related to the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. Witnesses claimed that Garma used her position in the CIDG to carry out the killings of Chinese nationals under the guise of an anti-drug campaign. Barbers believes this is not an isolated case but part of a pattern of abuse, with Garma directly involved.
Garma’s testimony is crucial as it is unlikely she acted without approval from higher authorities. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, and the public is eagerly anticipating it. In fact, everyone already knows who is behind the killings. They simply want to hear directly from Garma, whether she will sing, who is involved, and what the purpose was behind silencing the three Chinese nationals.
Even before Garma faces the committee, there are signs of fear and apprehension about how she will cover up other masterminds of the crime. Congress aims to investigate the incident and serve justice. Subpoenaing Garma and her failure to testify in the operation will result in legal consequences. Contempt is the consequence if Garma does not cooperate with the committee.
Regardless, Garma is at a disadvantage no matter which path she chooses. It would be better for her to reveal what she truly knows for the sake of her conscience.
