Former Police Colonel Royina Garma and her daughter, Angelica Garma Vilela, were arrested in San Francisco, California, on November 7.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the arrest, which was also verified by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
PNP PIO Chief & Spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo stated that the information came from their coordination with the PNP directorate for intelligence.
Garma and her daughter are currently detained by U.S. immigration authorities.
The PNP has no details yet on the grounds for the arrest.
PBGen. Fajardo clarified that no hold departure order was issued by the court against Garma, and Congress had already released her from custody, allowing her to leave the Philippines.
No pending cases have been filed against Garma at this time.
Garma was a key witness in cases involving extrajudicial killings and the reward system linked to the anti-drug campaign during the Duterte administration.
Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has tasked Commissioner Joel Viado with leading efforts to bring Garma back to the Philippines.
The DOJ is hopeful that, despite Congress lifting its contempt order, Garma will continue cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte.