Manila: Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that former Philippine Charity and Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma has agreed to be a witness for the prosecution against former president Rodrigo R. Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Remulla noted that Garma traveled to Malaysia as a tourist after being deported from the United States, which denied her request for political asylum.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garma was placed on an immigration lookout bulletin order but was not arrested upon her arrival in the Philippines. Remulla explained that Garma's decision to meet with ICC officials in Malaysia is supported by the DOJ's commitment to witness protection, highlighting concerns for her safety if she remained in the country.

Garma, a former police colonel, had previously testified during the House of Representatives hearings on the Duterte drug war, where she claimed that Duterte had asked her to implement the 'Davao model' nationwide. This model reportedly involved a system of payments and rewards.

Remulla acknowledged the role of former senator Antonio Trillanes IV in facilitating Garma's discussions with the ICC. The ICC is set to hold a confirmation hearing on the charges against Duterte later this month. Remulla emphasized that while the DOJ does not have an official relationship with the ICC, it is committed to protecting witnesses who are crucial to the ICC's investigations.

Despite Garma's cooperation with the ICC, Remulla stated that she may still be held accountable for other allegations, including murder and frustrated murder charges filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) related to the 2020 death of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga. Remulla stressed the importance of both the ICC testimony and the resolution of the Barayuga case, indicating that Garma is also expected to testify in the latter.