RTC orders passport cancellation for Garma, Leonardo and 3 others in PCSO exec murder case

The Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court (RTC) has ordered the cancellation of passports for former Philippine Sweepstakes general manager Royina Garma, former National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and their co-accused Santie Mendoza, Nelson Mariano, and Jeremy Causapin in connection with the 2020 killing of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Board Secretary Wesley Barayuga.

The court cited a serious risk of the accused fleeing the country, issuing both a hold departure order and passport cancellation.

Garma, who is facing murder and frustrated murder charges for allegedly masterminding Barayuga's killing, was deported from the US in September and her whereabouts are currently unknown.

She reportedly left the country last month to meet with International Criminal Court personnel to testify against Rodrigo Duterte.

The court denied Garma and Leonardo's bid to halt proceedings, and directed that Mendoza and Mariano, who have pleaded not guilty, remain in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

A pre-trial conference has been set for November 12.