Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma, the whistleblower who exposed the reward system in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, has been arrested in San Francisco, California.

This was reported by Department of Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano who also disclosed that the arrest had been confirmed by the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Garma, a retired police colone, was with her daughter Angelica Garma Vilela when arrested by US authorities on November 7. There was no clear information as to details of the reason for her arrest.

Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla immediately ordered Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado to supervise Garma’s extradition to the Philippines.

“We are committed to seeing justice served in every case and to upholding the integrity of our justice system, especially when it involves our country’s significant issues and concerns,” said Remulla.

He added: “While we work to ensure the safe return of Ms. Garma, we trust that she will remain cooperative with all ongoing investigations.”

Remulla’s statement indicated that the Philippine government was behind the arrest.

However, she previously told the Quadcomm that her US visa has been canceled without her knowledge.

Garma left the country shortly after she testified against Duterte before the Quadcomm of the House of Representatives.

There were no immigration lookout bulletin or hold departure order issued against her.

During a Quadcomm hearing on October 11, Garma testified against Duterte, who appointed her to the PCSO post.

In her testimony, Garma claimed that Duterte was behind the reward system for the liquidation of suspected drug pushers during the war on drugs that he initiated in 2016.

Over 6,000 people were killed during the drug war, majority of them drug pushers and users. However, many others were innocent civilians, including children.