MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government is taking proactive measures to address the issue of Filipinos recruited to act as drug mules by international drug syndicates.
 
"We are working in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on the operational law enforcement aspects, as well as with authorities in our neighboring countries,” Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr., stated in a joint press conference with PDEA Director General Dionisio Santiago in Quezon City.
                                                                                      
It can be recalled that President Arroyo signed on February 8 the Administrative Order (AO) No. 279, which created the Drug Couriers Task Force (TFDC), to prevent Pinoys from being used as drug mules.

The task force is composed of PDEA as chair and DFA as co-chair. Its members are: Department of Labor and Employment; the Bureau of Immigration; Bureau of Customs; National Bureau of Investigation; Philippine Information Agency; Manila International Airport Authority; Philippine Tourism Authority.

Its tasks, among others, are to develop and execute programs and strategies against the recruitment of Filipinos as couriers, and to promote close coordination with government agencies for the apprehension and prosecution of drug trafficking syndicates operating in the country.

Also, it is coordinating with its counterpart agencies in other countries for the formulation and execution of bilateral or regional actions against recruitment of Filipinos as drug couriers.

Conejos reminded Filipinos to be extra wary of accepting offers from individuals or groups to carry illegal drugs in their luggage when going abroad. He said harsh penalties await them in their destinations.

"We warn our countrymen not to accept packages which they suspect are drugs. If they are caught carrying illegal drugs, they will face very dire consequences," said Conejos.

In China, drug trafficking of 50 grams or more of illegal drugs is punishable by 15 years in prison, life imprisonment or death. In Muslim countries, drug trafficking is punishable by death, according to Shariah law.

Conejos issued the warning in light of the recent executions of British and Japanese nationals for drug-related offenses in China.

"This action by the Chinese government in strictly implementing their laws should serve as a stern warning to those who have been victimizing Filipinos. It is also a reminder to our kababayans not to allow themselves to be willing victims for the sake of money," he added.

Currently, there are 197 drug-related cases in China. Six have been meted the death penalty without reprieve, and 67 with death penalty with two-year reprieve.

There are 35 cases given life imprisonment sentences, 56 with fixed-term imprisonment, and 33 pending cases.

Among the 6 death penalty cases without reprieve, 2 are with the People's Supreme Court, and 4 are with the Court of Appeals.

The DFA continues to extend its assistance to those in death row within the bounds of due process and Chinese law. It is also encouraging those meted out the death penalty with chance of reprieve to strive for good behavior.

In death sentences without reprieve, decisions of lower courts are automatically elevated to the higher courts for review. The People's Supreme Court is the court of last resort before the judgment becomes final and executory.