David Powell
Updated on: October 12, 2024 1:02 am GMT
Former Police Colonel Detained Amid Controversial Allegations
A former high-ranking police officer linked to controversial killings during the Duterte administration has been detained by a congressional panel investigating extrajudicial activities. Retired police Colonel Royina Garma, who was implicated in the murder of three alleged Chinese drug lords in 2016, was cited for contempt after her responses to lawmakers were deemed evasive during a recent inquiry.
Congressional Investigation Uncovers Deep Connections
The congressional investigation into extrajudicial killings, particularly during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, has faced significant scrutiny and has revealed startling connections. Garma’s swift rise in positions within law enforcement and her subsequent appointment as General Manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) just weeks after her retirement raises questions about her relationship with Duterte.
- Key Details:
– Garma became the PCSO head just 15 days after her retirement.
– She served in various key roles in Davao City, the home city of Duterte.
– Her rapid advancement is viewed suspiciously by lawmakers, who point to potential favoritism, given her connections.
Lawmakers Press for Answers
During the recent hearings, lawmaker Joseph Stephen Paduano specifically questioned Garma’s closeness to Duterte. Paduano’s inquiry elicited a firm denial from Garma, stating that she had not maintained a close relationship with the former president and that her promotions were earned through proper channels. However, the panel was not convinced.
Paduano emphasized the following points during the questioning:
- Despite retaining a “floating status” at times during Duterte’s governance, Garma held several prominent positions.
- The lawmakers drew attention to the alleged favoritism in her appointment to significant roles, including her time as police chief in Cebu City.
Garma contended that her appointments were based on merit, asserting that she had applied through appropriate processes. Nonetheless, Paduano and fellow lawmakers expressed skepticism regarding her narrative.
Past Involvements Come to Light
The investigation was sparked by allegations from several individuals currently deprived of liberty. They claimed that Garma was involved in orchestrating the murders of three Chinese nationals—Chu Kin Tung, Jackson Lee, and Peter Wang—at the behest of Duterte.
- Witness Allegations:
– Leopoldo Tan, Fernando “Andy” Magdadaro, and Jimmy Fortaleza implicated Garma in their affidavits, asserting that they had killed the three men as part of an agreement involving financial compensation and promises of freedom.
– Reports indicate they received around 1 million pesos each for their actions, as allegedly facilitated by police directives.
Moreover, a significant detail emerged when Paduano revealed that Garma had attempted to leave the Philippines for the United States recently. This effort was thwarted when she was denied entry, as her visa was reportedly canceled without clear explanation. Paduano suggested that Garma was aware of the underlying reasons for this denial.
Contempt Cited for Evasive Responses
The congressional panel, known as the Quad Committees, ultimately decided to detain Garma due to her lack of cooperation during the hearing. This marks a growing trend of lawmakers seeking accountability for those deemed to have evaded the truth or obstructed investigations.
Garma’s detention comes as the House of Representatives faces a backlog of individuals held in contempt for similar offenses, with some suggesting that these facilities are becoming overcrowded.
Additional Citations and the Broader Impact
Alongside Garma, other individuals have also faced contempt citations during the hearings, including police officers and lawyers who failed to comply with requests for information. The implications of these hearings extend beyond individual accountability:
- Wider Implications:
– The ongoing investigation serves to address broader concerns about extrajudicial killings during the controversial drug war initiated by Duterte.
– It raises questions about the accountability of law enforcement and the integrity of the entire police system in the Philippines.
Furthermore, the increasing number of contempt citations against resource persons underscores the challenges faced by Congress in navigating the complexities of these investigations while striving to uncover the truth.
The fallout from these hearings continues to unfold. Garma’s case exemplifies the intricate web of relationships and alleged corruption at high levels of government and law enforcement, spotlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the Philippine justice system.
The ongoing investigation by Congress is very important for how people talk about police actions and what the government should do about Duterte’s controversial drug policies. Garma’s future, along with many others who are part of these serious claims, now depends on lawmakers who are looking for justice.
