Lawmaker hoping ex-cop Garma to help in drug war probe pending asylum

Metro Manila, Philippines - A House quad-committee chairman is hoping retired police officer Royina Garma would continue to cooperate in the investigation on former President Rodrigo Duterte's brutal drug war pending her asylum application in the United States (US).

In a statement on Tuesday, April 15, Manila Rep. Benny Abante said Garma’s asylum application showed she “fears for her life.”

"This development, however, will not deter us from fulfilling our duties and completing the task at hand," Abante said.

“We remain committed to securing justice for the victims and to passing legislation to prevent similar atrocities in the future,” he said.

Garma, former station commander in Davao City, was a key witness in the drug war inquiry as she testified about a reward system in anti-narcotics campaign killings.

The former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager was also tagged in the death of the agency’s board secretary, Wesley Barayuga. Garma denied the allegation.

Garma was detained in the US last year over a canceled visa.