RETIRED Police Colonel Royina Garma remains in US custody due to possible involvement in money laundering and human rights violations related to the Magnitsky Act.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla explained that the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act of 2016 is a penalty imposed on human rights violations and corruption anywhere in the world.
Under the law, the US has the power to ban entry into their territory, freeze assets, and impose other sanctions against foreign officials involved in human rights violations.
Authorities are pursuing Garma’s assets hidden in America, her money laundering activities, and human rights violations as part of the Magnitsky Act.
The Philippines is studying the possibility of using the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLAT) between the Philippines and the United States to bring Garma back.
It can be recalled that Garma was intercepted and detained in the US on November 7 due to a canceled visa.
Remulla assured that the government will do everything to bring Garma back to the country as soon as possible.
“There’s no crack that we can use to tick off the time. We just have to play it by ear,” said Remulla.
Garma revealed to the House Quad Committee the alleged reward system implemented by former President Rodrigo Duterte for police officers who kill drug suspects.
