2 Pinoy drug couriers in China escape death row

Two Filipino drug couriers were spared from execution in China for good behavior, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday. The DFA quoted the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai as saying the two Filipinos had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. “The two Filipinos, a male and a female, were apprehended in Hangzhou, China, on 27 and 25 October 2008, respectively," the DFA said without identifying the Filipinos. They were given a two-year reprieve but their penalties were commuted to life imprisonment by the Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court “for their good behavior and performance in prison," the DFA said. Investigation showed the two Filipinos were carrying over 1,200 grams of heroin in their luggage, according to the DFA. “Under Chinese criminal law, a person caught in possession of more than 50 grams of illegal drugs could be sentenced to death, if convicted," the DFA said.
Only last March, three Filipino drug mules — Sally Villanueva, Ramon Credo, and Elizabeth Batain — were executed after being convicted by Chinese courts. The DFA reiterated its appeal to all Filipinos to avoid accepting offers from individuals or groups to carry illegal drugs in their luggage or in their person when going abroad in exchange for money. Otherwise, the DFA said harsh penalties await them in their destinations. The DFA pointed out that the Philippine government has a strong anti-illegal drug policy, and is closely cooperating with law enforcement agencies in other countries on efforts against anti-drugs trafficking. It said it is undertaking comprehensive and proactive measures to address the drug mules issue and to prevent the further victimization of Filipinos by international drug syndicates. The DFA said it has been working closely with other concerned agencies on drug trafficking cases. — JE, GMA News