NBI says no legal basis to detain whistleblower Royina Garma

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated there is no legal basis to detain former police colonel and drug war whistleblower Royina Garma.

Garma flew to Malaysia on Sunday to meet with officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to testify in the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that he met with Garma, who was attempting to depart the Philippines for Malaysia, and assured her safety in the country.

Santiago clarified that a previous Senate arrest warrant against Garma had expired as it was issued during the 19th Congress, and there is no current warrant for her arrest in connection with the 2020 killing of Wesley Barayuga.

The NBI provided Garma with security and monitored her movements upon receiving information about her arrival in the Philippines.

Garma had recently returned to the country but left again less than 24 hours later.

Previously, Garma sought asylum in the United States in November of the previous year, but her application was unsuccessful.