The Department of Justice (DOJ) has emphasized that its involvement in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte is restricted solely to protecting witnesses.
During a public briefing, DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the ICC dealt directly with retired police colonel Royina Garma for her statements and possible affidavits.
“Ang ugnayan po between the Philippine government and ICC is through the witness protection program director, only matters of protection are discussed… The substance of the affidavit and the statements po ni Colonel Garma are hindi po namin alam talaga. Ang inaalam lang po namin is yung mga arrangements po nila, and to make sure she is safe and protected in the Philippines,” Clavano explained, as reported by GMA News Online.
Garma, who once served as general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), is facing a murder complaint linked to the death of former PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga. In a congressional inquiry last year, she testified that Duterte had instructed her to find an officer who could replicate the Davao model of the drug war nationwide.
The former police officer left for the United States in November 2024 but was flagged due to a cancelled visa. She sought asylum but was denied. Upon her return to the Philippines last week, the DOJ and the National Bureau of Investigation arranged her safe passage as she later flew to Kuala Lumpur.
“Those were the steps that we took within the DOJ, and we hope that she continues to be safe despite being in another country,” Clavano said.
He also pointed out that the Barayuga case is just one element the ICC must connect to establish a “pattern of killings” under the previous administration. While he acknowledged the possibility of Garma turning state witness, he stressed that she must first provide information implicating individuals more culpable than herself.
“There is always that possibility [for Garma to be a state witness]. Kaya lang po, kailangan muna niyang ilatag yung information sa atin ng maganda… Hanggang di po siya maglatag ng mga pangalan na mas guilty sa kanya, yung mga umutos sa kanya ng ganitong bagay, we cannot consider her as a state witness yet,” he added.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, meanwhile, confirmed that Garma intends to meet ICC personnel in the country, following earlier reports that she has agreed to serve as a witness.
