Retired police colonel Royina Garma (file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Retired police colonel Royina Garma, who implicated former President Rodrigo Duterte in an investigation on his bloody war against drugs, was detained by the US Border Control in California due to her canceled visa, Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Remulla said Tuesday.
According to Remulla, Garma was held upon her arrival in San Francisco, California on Nov. 7.
“She was held in detention by the US border control, because her visa was canceled already,” said Remulla in a chance interview with reporters.
Asked why Garma’s visa was canceled, Remulla responded that a human rights issue was “considered” by the US government when canceling her visa.
Remulla, however, said he was not privy to who requested to have Garma’s visa canceled.
“But certainly when she was on the way to Japan—she was in Japan going to the US—she was informed that her visa was canceled already,” said Remulla.
“At least that’s what I heard from her in a testimony before the QuadComm,” he added.
Remulla said he had already ordered the Bureau of Immigration to contact their US counterparts to check Garma’s status.
Remulla said either a turnaround or deportation was likely for Garma.
When asked when she is expected to return home, Remulla responded: “Anytime within the next 10 days.”
Once she returns to Manila, Remulla said Garma may choose to go directly home as she did not technically break any laws in leaving the county, as she is not currently facing any cases, hold departure order or even a lookout bulletin.
Remulla, however, said the DOJ will offer Garma witness protection.
“In any case, she’s considered a very important witness by the QuadComm. So we intend to offer her witness protection for that matter. At least for the matters QuadComm is seeking from her,” said Remulla.