House orders detention of Narsolis, cites Garma in contempt

The House of Representatives' quad committee ordered the detention of Police Master Sergeant Arthur Narsolis and retired police colonel Royina Garma on Thursday, September 12 for failing to attend previous hearings or evading questions.

Narsolis will be held within the House premises until the investigation concludes or lawmakers lift the order, while Garma was cited in contempt after hesitating to answer whether she had special ties with former President Rodrigo Duterte and later burst into tears upon being detained.

According to affidavits from PDLs Leopoldo Tan Jr. and Fernando 'Andy' Magdadaro, Garma is connected to the alleged killings of three Chinese drug lords at Davao Prison in 2016 and was a member of the Davao Death Squad (DDS).

During Thursday's hearing, Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano expressed frustration over Garma's uncertain answers regarding her relationship with Duterte and demanded a direct response.

Garma held several police posts in Davao City, including station commander positions, the head of Women's Desk at the Davao City Police Station, and as a police administration officer.

The committee approved the motion to detain Garma within House premises until the investigation concludes or she decides to cooperate.