ACTING PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to create tracker teams to arrest retired police Col. Royina Garma and four other accused in the 2020 murder of a Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) executive.
“I have already directed the Director, CIDG, to create tracker teams to implement the arrest warrant,” Nartatez said, referring to CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II.
“Other units were instructed to assist,” added Nartatez.
The Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Garma last September 13 for murder and frustrated murder.
Also ordered arrested were former National Police Commission commissioner and retired police colonel Edilberto Leonardo, police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza, former police Staff Sergeant Jeremy Causapin and former police Corporal Nelson Mariano.
The five were accused of murdering on July 30, 2020 then PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga, a retired police general, in Mandaluyong City. Barayuga’s driver, Jojo Gunao, was injured in the attack.
“The PNP is committed to swift and decisive action, with due consideration for the rights of all parties involved. Our priority is to bring the suspects before the proper court without delay,” said Nartatez.
Garma retired from the PNP in 2019 and later served as PCSO general manager during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Bureau of Immigration has said Garma left the country for Malaysia on September 7. Garma arrived in Manila a day earlier after a failed asylum bid in the United States.
Garma, who earlier confirmed a reward system under the Duterte administration’s bloody war against drugs, has agreed to testify against Duterte, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Duterte is currently detained in the Hague, Netherlands, facing charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court.
“The Philippine National Police respects and upholds the order of the Mandaluyong court,” said Nartatez.
“We are duty-bound to implement lawful orders issued by our courts, and the PNP is already preparing to carry out the necessary procedures to serve the warrant of arrest,” said Nartatez.
He said the rule of law “must prevail at all times.”
“Regardless of one’s rank, status, or former position, all individuals are accountable under our justice system. The issuance of these warrants is a reminder that justice is not blind, and the PNP will carry out its mandate without fear or favor,” he said.
