Royina Garma Biography – The name Royina Marzan Garma is known for dedication, controversy, and resilience of an individual in the country. She has served as a commissioner of police and has been involved in two major events in government since her retirement from the police service. Despite popular linkages with ex-president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, Garma’s existence is a cocktail of both public service, law courts, and controversy.
Royina Garma Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Royina Marzan Garma |
| Age | 52 years |
| Birthplace | Cagayan Valley, Philippines |
| Career | Retired Police Officer, Government Official |
| Notable Positions | General Manager of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (2019-2022) |
| Husband | Roland Vilela (annulled in 2007) |
| Daughter | Adopted (name not disclosed) |
| Known For | Close associate of Rodrigo Duterte, involvement in various controversies |
Early Life and Education
Born in the scenic region of Cagayan Valley, Royina Garma’s journey began far from the bustling cities where she would later make her mark. She graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy in 1997, laying the foundation for a career in law enforcement that would span over two decades.
Police Career
Davao City and CIDG
Garma spent a significant portion of her police career in Davao City. From 1996 to 1998, she led the anti-vice unit of the city police during Rodrigo Duterte’s third term as mayor. Her dedication saw her rise through the ranks, taking charge of the Women and Children’s Protection Desk from 1999 to 2004 under Mayor Benjamin de Guzman. Between 2004 and 2007, she served in the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) with assignments in both Metro Manila and Davao.
Personal Turmoil
In 2005, Garma’s personal life came under public scrutiny when her then-husband, Roland Vilela, who was also a police officer, was accused of raping a minor. Despite the scandal, Garma managed to shield her career from being derailed, although the marriage ended in annulment in 2007.
Rise to Prominence
In 2009, during Duterte’s return as mayor, Garma was back in Davao City, working as an administrative officer under Ramon Apolinario. From 2011 to 2015, she commanded stations in strategic locations, including Sasa and Santa Ana, which covered the seaport and airport areas as well as Davao Chinatown.
CIDG Region 7 Head
In January 2017, Garma was appointed head of the CIDG for Region 7 (Central Visayas), a role she held during the height of Duterte’s controversial drug war. Her tenure was marked by significant operations against drug syndicates, including the arrest of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association’s supreme master, Ruben Ecleo Jr.
Controversies
Garma’s career was not without its dark spots. She was implicated in extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s drug war, as alleged by self-confessed gunman Edgar Matobato in a case filed before the International Criminal Court.
Cebu City Police Chief
On July 1, 2018, Garma took over as the chief of the Cebu City police. Despite opposition from then-mayor Tomas Osmeña, she led significant operations, including a major drug bust involving the Ygot Drug Syndicate, which resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in the city’s history.
Transition to Government Role
PCSO General Manager
Opting for early retirement in 2019, Garma was swiftly appointed as the general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) by President Duterte. Her tenure from 2019 to 2022 was marked by both progress and controversies, including the appointment of her daughter and cousins to various positions within the agency.
The Wesley Barayuga Incident
In July 2020, PSCO board secretary Wesley Barayuga was assassinated. By 2024, allegations surfaced implicating Garma and National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the murder, purportedly linked to Barayuga’s involvement in illegal drug trade. These allegations led to a re-investigation ordered by General Rommel Marbil.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Royina Garma was married to Roland Vilela, a provincial police chief for Iloilo. The marriage ended in annulment in 2007 following a scandal. Garma has an adopted daughter, though details about her are kept private.
Legacy and Later Life
Post-retirement, Garma remained a figure of interest due to her involvement in the 2016 killings of three Chinese inmates and her extensive career under the Duterte administration. Her appearances in congressional inquiries in 2024 brought her back into the public eye.
Conclusion
Royina Garma’s life and career are a testament to her resilience and dedication. Despite numerous controversies, her contributions to law enforcement and public service remain significant. Her close association with Rodrigo Duterte and her roles in various high-profile cases have cemented her place in Philippine history.
FAQs
1. Who is Royina Garma? Royina Garma is a retired police officer and former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, known for her close association with Rodrigo Duterte and involvement in various controversies.
2. How old is Royina Garma? Royina Garma is 52 years old.
3. Who was Royina Garma’s husband? Royina Garma was married to Roland Vilela, a provincial police chief for Iloilo, but their marriage was annulled in 2007.
4. Does Royina Garma have children? Yes, Royina Garma has an adopted daughter, though her identity has not been disclosed.
5. What positions has Royina Garma held? Royina Garma has served as a police officer in various capacities, including CIDG Region 7 head and Cebu City police chief. She was also the general manager of the PCSO from 2019 to 2022.
