PHILIPPINE authorities are awaiting confirmation from US officials regarding former police colonel Royina Garma’s alleged request for political asylum. Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez stated that no word has been received from US authorities on the matter. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla echoed this sentiment, stating that there is “no confirmation now” regarding Garma’s asylum request.
Meanwhile, the US embassy has clarified that any potential deportation of Garma is a matter for US law enforcement. US embassy spokesman Kanishka Gangopadhyay emphasized this point, while Ambassador Romualdez stated that Manila’s consulate general in San Francisco is providing standard assistance to Garma and her daughter.
Garma and her daughter are currently detained in the US under the Magnitsky Act, facing allegations of money laundering and human rights violations. In the Philippines, Garma is under investigation for her alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings and the murder of retired police general Wesley Barayuga.
Garma’s lawyer has previously stated that she had no intention of evading authorities and that her trip to the US was solely for visiting relatives. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed that they have not sought Interpol’s assistance or planned to send officers to the US to retrieve Garma.
