The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager and ex-police colonel Royina Garma remains in detention at a U.S. immigration facility in San Francisco.
According to Charlie Florian Prenicolas, Assistant Director of the DFA Passport Division, Garma has been in custody since November 2024. The DFA maintains regular communication with the Philippine Consulate General in Houston to monitor her situation.
Authorities at the South Louisiana Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Processing Center have reportedly imposed strict protocols, including prohibiting phone calls.
Garma is allegedly involved in the killing of former PCSO Board Secretary Wesley Barayuga, in connection with former National Police Commission (Napolcom) commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, who is also implicated in the case.
After a contempt order against her was lifted, Garma traveled to the United States, where she was later detained under the U.S. Magnitsky Act, which targets individuals suspected of human rights violations and financial crimes, including money laundering.
The DFA has not yet disclosed further details on the legal proceedings or the next steps regarding Garma’s case.
