Barbers warns ex-PCSO exec to attend House probe or face arrest

ACE BARBERS / SAVED JULY 16, 2020
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Barbers (taken April 30, 2018)
PHOTO BY NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives Quad Committee warned former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Royina Garma to attend the next scheduled hearing or face arrest.

In a statement on Sunday, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, lead chairman of the Quad Committee, said a subpoena has been issued to Garma requiring her to appear before the committee.

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This is in relation to the ongoing investigation on cases of extrajudicial killings, illegal drug proliferation, and other related crimes.

The lawmaker said the committee uncovered important evidence pointing out that Garma may have had a role in planning unlawful operations during her tenure with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Davao.

“These are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of abuse that we believe Garma had a direct hand in. The gravity of these allegations cannot be overstated,” Barbers said.

“We need her testimony to understand fully how these operations were conducted and to hold accountable all those involved,” he added.

The next hearing is on September 3, and Garma’s appearance is vital in clarifying the extent of her alleged involvement in the issue, said Barbers.

“If Lieutenant Colonel Garma refuses to attend, we will have no choice but to issue a warrant for her arrest. This is a matter of national importance, and we will not tolerate any obstruction to this investigation,” Barbers stated.

“We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and that means everyone involved must be held to account,” he added.

Garma will be cited in contempt if she fails to appear at the hearing, said Barbers.