BI didn't block Garma's departure from PH due to absence of HDO, lookout bulletin

The Bureau of Immigration was aware that Royina Garma was leaving the Philippines but could not prevent her as there was no Hold Departure Order (HDO) or Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against the former police colonel and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) official.

This was disclosed by Senator Grace Poe as she defended the BI's proposed 2025 national budget at the Senate plenary on Wednesday.

It was Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa who asked the BI if the agency was aware of Garma's departure.

Responding to Dela Rosa, Poe said, "That is the reason why we know exactly where she was. There was a secondary inspection done...they were not able to verify any lookout bulletin or any order for her to be detained."

Asked if the BI knew that the House of Representatives' contempt order against Garma was already lifted, Poe answered in the affirmative.

"Yes, Mr. President. They had to verify, that's why they called her aside to check, call, I guess, Congress to ask them," Poe said.

The Department of Justice, citing information from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police, reported that Garma was held by authorities in California due to a cancelled visa.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado to facilitate Garma's return to the Philippines.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day said it is "continuously coordinating" with United States (US) authorities through the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco regarding the arrest and detention of Garma and her daughter.

The House Quad Committee (QuadComm) cited Garma in contempt in September.

The QuadComm released Garma from detention on Nov. 4, according to lead chairperson and Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers.

During house hearings, Garma was accused of ordering the killing of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga, a claim she has denied.

It was also Garma who claimed that former President Rodrigo Duterte asked her to look for an officer to implement the so-called Davao model of the drug war on a national scale. —RF, GMA Integrated News