Despite death penalty, syndicates still lure drug mules to China

Efforts are underway to save the two Filipinos sentenced to death in China earlier this month following their arrest for a drug-related case last year, Malacañang assured Saturday. But deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also appealed anew to Filipinos leaving for abroad not to allow themselves to be exploited by syndicates smuggling drugs to other countries. “Itutuloy natin ang pag-push ng reprieve o commutation of sentence, baka mapagbigyan. Ang ginagawa pa lang, patuloy ang pagbigay ng assistance at pakikipag-ugnayan ng DFA sa kanilang counterpart sa China,” she said on government-run dzRB radio. Valte added the Department of Foreign Affairs is “very much aware” of the situation and is acting accordingly. She also said the government has to take into consideration the nature of the case and what assistance has been rendered so far. For now, she said the DFA makes sure the two have representation and assistance from Philippine officials there. But she also reiterated the government’s appeal to Filipinos abroad to always be aware of the laws of their host countries and abide by them. “There is a tacit recognition na pagpunta natin sa ibang bansa sinusundan natin ang kanilang batas," she said. She also reiterated the government’s call not to let syndicates take advantage of foreign-bound Filipino workers and tourists and have them unwittingly bring drugs to a foreign land. “Huwag tayo tatanggap ng bagahe, you will be responsible for it (Don’t just accept requests to bring someone else’s baggage....),” she said. — LBG/HS, GMA News