Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager and retired Police Colonel Royina Garma has agreed to serve as a state witness against former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Remulla said Garma’s testimony will be crucial during the ICC’s confirmation of charges hearing set for September 23, 2025. He explained that Garma’s cooperation with international investigators was the primary reason she recently traveled to Malaysia to meet with ICC representatives.
According to the justice secretary, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was among those they consulted regarding Garma’s role as state witness. Trillanes, a known critic of Duterte, had earlier raised concerns about the former president’s accountability in the government’s controversial war on drugs.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that Garma left the Philippines for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday evening via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. This followed her arrival from Los Angeles, California, just a day prior.
“She left as a tourist bound for Kuala Lumpur. Her departure was reported to the DOJ as part of immigration protocols,” the BI said in a statement.
Garma has been under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) since November 15, 2024. However, the BI clarified that no hold departure order or arrest warrant has been issued against her, allowing her to travel freely.
Garma has figured prominently in congressional investigations. During a series of House quad committee hearings, Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza accused Garma and former National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) commissioner Edilberto Leonardo of masterminding the killing of former PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
In the same hearings, Garma disclosed that the Duterte administration had implemented a so-called “Davao template” reward system for police officers assigned to eliminate individuals included on the government’s drug watchlist. Her statements fueled renewed scrutiny of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which has been the subject of international criticism for alleged extrajudicial killings.
With her decision to testify before the ICC, Garma is expected to provide insider details on how the alleged operations were carried out, potentially strengthening the case against the former president as the tribunal moves closer to trial proceedings.
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