MANILA, Philippines – President Arroyo on Thursday created an inter-agency task force to protect overseas Filipino workers from being used as drug mules or couriers.
 
Mrs. Arroyo signed Administrative Order 279 after the government noted an alarming increase in the number of Filipinos "who have been enticed, duped and recruited to act as drug couriers by international syndicates."

The new AO recognizes the need to “conduct an intensive and unrelenting campaign against drug syndicates responsible for victimizing the Filipino as drug courier."

Earlier this month, Malacanang said the task force will be composed of agencies under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as well as the Dangerous Drugs Board, and its implementing arm, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

DFA Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr. said they continue to extend assistance to 10 Filipinos on death row in China without reprieve.

"The task force will strengthen the Philippine Government's fight against drug trafficking and protect our citizens from being victimized as drug couriers. It will also demonstrate the Government's resolve in working with China and the international community in addressing the drug menace," Conejos said in an earlier statement. Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News