Garma seeks US political asylum amid murder, drug war killing charges

Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager and retired police colonel Royima Garma remains in detention in the United States after applying for political asylum, her lawyer Atty. Emerito Quilang confirmed on Monday.

Rep. Johnny Pimentel of Surigao del Sur's 2nd district stated Tuesday that Garma does not qualify as a victim of political persecution and is involved in heinous crimes.

Garma faces murder and frustrated murder charges filed by the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police over Barayuga’s assassination on July 30, 2020, with several witnesses testifying against her during legislative investigations.

The NBI has referred these charges to the Department of Justice along with other cases involving Garma's alleged involvement in drug war killings and the murders of three Chinese nationals in Davao Prison in 2016.

Garma’s asylum bid differs from that of former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog, who was accused of being a major drug protector without evidence, whereas several witnesses have testified against Garma's alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings.

The United States is set to investigate the situation thoroughly before making any decision on her asylum application.