Newsroom 
06 May 2010 -Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Esteban B. Conejos, Jr. said the Philippines is undertaking comprehensive and proactive measures to address the 'drug mules' issue and prevent the further victimization of Filipinos 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, Underesecretary Conejos stated in a joint press conference with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio R. Santiago held at the PDEA in Quezon City. This is the first joint press conference between the two agencies on the 'drug mules' issue.
On the recommendation of the DFA, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Administrative Order (AO) No. 279, which created the Drug Couriers Task Force (TFDC), tasked to prevent Filipinos being used as drug couriers by international drug trafficking syndicates last February 8.
The TFDC is composed of the PDEA as chair; the DFA as co-chair; and the Department of Labor and Employment, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Customs, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Information Agency, the Manila International Airport Authority, and the Philippine Tourism Authority as members.
The Task Force is developing and executing programs and strategies against the recruitment of Filipinos as international drug couriers by international drug trafficking syndicates that victimize overseas Filipinos, and promoting close coordination among government agencies towards a more aggressive apprehension and prosecution of members of drug trafficking syndicates operating in the Philippines.
Moreover, the TFDC closely coordinates with counterpart agencies of other countries for the formulation and execution of bilateral or regional actions against recruitment of Filipinos as drug couriers.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Conejos reminds Filipinos must be extra wary of accepting offers from individuals or groups to carry illegal drugs in their luggages or in their person when going abroad, as 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," he said.
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.
Undersecretary Conejos made this warning in the 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 six death penalty cases without reprieve, two are with the People's Supreme Court and four 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. END
