MANILA, Philippines – The family of a Filipino couple on death row for drug charges in Malaysia has appealed to President Benigno Aquino III for help.

Timhar Jimdani Ong and his wife Nurie were both found guilty of drug trafficking in Kota Kinabalu in 2005.

“Presidente Noynoy, maawa na po kayo. Hindi naman po pumatay o nagnakaw ang mga magulang namin. Kung may nagawa man po sila, dahil iyon sa gusto nila na may mapakain sila sa amin na kanilang mga anak,” said the couple’s eldest child, Baby.

It was in 2005 when the couple decided to go to Malaysia as tourists allegedly to purchase fabrics for their textile business in Zamboanga City.

However, the 2 were arrested in their hotel in Kota Kinabulu, Sabah during an anti-drug operation where operatives found  in their possession several packets of shabu that weighed more than 300 grams.

In November 2006, the lower court sentenced the couple to life imprisonment for illegal drugs.

The public prosecutor of Malaysia elevated the case to the higher court and argued that the couple must be charged with drug trafficking charges.

For their part, the couple claimed they were framed up by another Filipina.

In April of last year, the Judicial Commissioner of Kota Kinabalu, Dato Adbul Rahman Sebli, sentenced the couple to death by hanging.

This decision shocked the couple’s 7 children and their family in the Philippines.

“Hindi rin madali pumunta ng Malaysia kahit na gusto ko silang tulungan, gipit rin ako, pamilyado rin ako,” said Timhar’s brother, Fred.

According to their children, they were not even aware that their parents went to Malaysia. They were able to talk to their parents on the phone on several occasions. The conversation often turned emotional, but the children said their parents try not to let them know that they worry about them.

The family now hopes that President Aquino would help them appeal the case before the Malaysian government.
 
Meanwhile, Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Beng Climaco promised to bring the family’s appeal to Malacañang. David Santos, ABS-CBN News