Retired police Col. Royina Garma, detained in the U.S. since November for carrying a canceled visa, is seeking asylum to avoid returning to the Philippines, where she faces murder charges in connection with the 2020 killing of PCSO official Wesley Barayuga.
Her lawyer, Emerito Quilang, confirmed she remains in U.S. custody and clarified that Garma is not being held for money laundering, nor does she own property in the U.S.
Garma is also linked to alleged extrajudicial killings under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Quilang said her asylum hearing was initially scheduled for April 2 but was canceled, with no new date yet set.
If her asylum request is denied, Garma could be extradited or voluntarily return to the Philippines to face charges.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 15, 2025
