Retired Col Royina Garma remains detained in US for over 6 months

Royina Garma, a retired police colonel and whistleblower from the Philippine drug war, remains detained at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center more than six months after seeking asylum in the US on November 7, 2024.

Garma's lawyer Emerito Quilang confirmed to Rappler that she is facing murder complaints in the Philippines over a killing in 2020 and denied claims of a money laundering case linked to her detention; Garma owns a controversial hilltop property in Cebu City which raises questions about its legality within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape.

Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Director Charlie Florian Prenicolas revealed that an expedited removal order was issued against Garma upon her arrival in San Francisco, based on information from the Philippine Consulate General in Houston.

Garma's options include undergoing a credible fear screening if not already placed in removal proceedings, which would determine eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal based on persecution fears.

Questions persist regarding the legality and origins of the property Garma owns in Cebu City, including allegations that it was built without proper permits within a protected area.