‘Garma a ruthless killer’

MANILA, Philippines —  Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel of the House quad committee branded former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma as a “ruthless killer” who hides behind “an innocent facade to commit brutal crimes.”

In his interpellation, Pimentel underscored that Garma orchestrated the murder to prevent PCSO board secretary and retired police general Wesley Barayuga from exposing corruption within the PCSO.

During the hearing, Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza testified that Garma ordered Barayuga’s assassination in exchange for P300,000. This claim was corroborated by retired Police Cpl. Nelson Mariano, who said he was responsible for recruiting the hitman, identified as “Toks.”

According to Pimentel, when Garma was assigned to Cebu City when she was still a police colonel, there were 198 recorded killings, as reported by former Mayor Tommy Osmeña.

“And now, it is very clear that the mastermind in the killing of Gen. Baraguya is none other than Col. Garma in cooperation, in cahoots, with Col. Leonardo based on the testimony of our two resource persons,” Pimentel said.

He urged the committee to include a recommendation to file murder charges against Garma and Leonardo in its report.