Garma remains detained in US, asylum uncertain

National

THE US authorities have no confirmation yet if former police colonel Royina Garma requested political asylum.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said there are no no words yet from US counterpart if the former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager applied for political asylum after she was put in custody in San Francisco.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said as of now Garma is still in detention and “No word on asylum” so far, per a report by The Philippine Star.

Romualdez added that they are also checking on the delay of Garma’s deportation.

On November 7, Garma and her daughter were stopped by US border control authorities in San Francisco, California, and put into custody because her visa was canceled due to a human rights issue.

Garma is detained in the US because of possible money laundering and human rights violations, as part of the Magnitsky Act.

Under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act of 2016, people who are involved in human rights violations and corruption can be sanctioned.

Remulla said that with this, US authorities will go after Garma’s properties there.

The Philippine government is looking to use Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLAT) between the US and the Philippines to bring Garma back to the country.

Under MLAT, both countries will work together in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of individuals with criminal offenses.(LAO)