Garma cites truth, PNP reforms as motivations behind affidavit on Duterte drug war

FORMER Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma told the House Quad Committee that her decision to submit a surprising affidavit was motivated by a deep commitment to truth and a desire to help reform the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Garma, a retired police colonel with close ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte, left lawmakers stunned with her disclosure of details about the alleged reward system for extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration’s bloody war on drugs.

During Friday’s Quad Committee marathon hearing, Garma explained that after a week of reflection, she felt compelled to speak the truth and contribute to efforts to restore public trust in the PNP.

“I realize the truth will always set us free, Mr. Chair, and at least I will be able to contribute if we really want to make this country a better place to live…for our children,” Garma said in response to a query from Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez.

“I think we have to do something para maibalik ‘yung trust sa PNP, magkaroon ng reform sa PNP,” she added.

In her affidavit, Garma disclosed key details about the roles of former President Duterte and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go in overseeing anti-drug operations.

She confirmed the creation of a national task force patterned after the “Davao Model,” which provided police with financial rewards for killing drug suspects, funding for planned operations, and reimbursement for operational expenses.

Fernandez, co-chair of the Quad Committee, expressed surprise at Garma’s sudden shift from previous hearings and asked if she had been pressured into submitting the affidavit. “Meron po bang pumilit sa inyo para i-execute ang affidavit na ito?” Fernandez asked.

Garma clarified that the decision was entirely voluntary. “Wala po, Mr. Chair, it took me one week to make some reflections,” she said.

Fernandez also addressed Garma’s earlier statements about her fear for her safety. “Kanina po may sinasabi kayo na natatakot kayo sa buhay niyo at sa pamilya niyo, saan po kayo natatakot?” he asked.

Garma acknowledged her fears but stood firm in her decision. “Of course, it’s normal, Mr. Chair, when you speak the truth, you cannot please everyone. But still, it took me one week to make reflections, and I realized I need to do my part,” she responded.

Fernandez then asked if Garma’s past relationship with former President Duterte influenced her emotions, wondering if that connection was the reason for her mixed feelings.

Garma admitted her emotions were complex but reiterated that her commitment to truth and reform guided her decision.

“Normal lang naman bilang tao, Mr. Chair, pero what prevailed after a week of reflection is I always say, the truth will always set me free. I want a better place. A better PNP, Mr. Chair,” she said.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. supported Garma’s decision, stating that it aligns with the committee’s efforts to address issues within the PNP.

“Yes, Mr. Chairman, we are all on the same page. Kaya po natin ginagawa ito para sa taumbayan—na maayos ‘yung PNP, mawala ‘yung extrajudicial killings, ‘yung drugs,” Gonzales said.

The Quad Comm—composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts—has been investigating the links between illegal offshore gaming operators, proliferation of illegal drug trade, land grabbing by certain Chinese nationals, and the EJKs associated with the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.