NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
China Executes Two Filipino Nationals In China For Drug Trafficking
Photo credit: DFA
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has informed the nation that two Filipino nationals were executed in China on 24 November 2023 for drug trafficking offenses.
The confirmation came from the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou. The DFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
Out of respect for the families' wishes, the DFA refrained from an immediate announcement and is withholding the identities of the two Filipinos.
The DFA detailed its extensive efforts, from the time of their arrest in 2013, through the criminal trial and the appeal before the High Court's judgment of conviction in 2018.
The DFA provided all possible assistance, including legal funding through the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou and the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs.
Despite the exhaustive efforts, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, in alignment with the nation's laws and values, appealed to Chinese authorities to commute the sentences to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds.
High-level political representations were also made. However, the Chinese government, citing internal laws, upheld the conviction, and the Philippines acknowledges and respects China's criminal laws and legal processes.
The government ensured support for the families of the two Filipinos, facilitating a compassionate visit to Guangzhou under the Department's Assistance to Nationals Fund.
While expressing sorrow over the executions, the DFA reinforced the government's commitment to eradicating drug syndicates that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking better lives.
The DFA emphasized the need for vigilance among Filipinos traveling overseas, urging them to be aware of drug syndicates' tactics and to refuse to carry any package not personally packed and thoroughly inspected.
The DFA issued an urgent reminder that while the Philippine government will exhaust all avenues to assist overseas nationals, the laws and sovereign decisions of foreign countries will prevail in such cases.
The confirmation came from the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou. The DFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
Out of respect for the families' wishes, the DFA refrained from an immediate announcement and is withholding the identities of the two Filipinos.
The DFA detailed its extensive efforts, from the time of their arrest in 2013, through the criminal trial and the appeal before the High Court's judgment of conviction in 2018.
The DFA provided all possible assistance, including legal funding through the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou and the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs.
Despite the exhaustive efforts, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, in alignment with the nation's laws and values, appealed to Chinese authorities to commute the sentences to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds.
High-level political representations were also made. However, the Chinese government, citing internal laws, upheld the conviction, and the Philippines acknowledges and respects China's criminal laws and legal processes.
The government ensured support for the families of the two Filipinos, facilitating a compassionate visit to Guangzhou under the Department's Assistance to Nationals Fund.
While expressing sorrow over the executions, the DFA reinforced the government's commitment to eradicating drug syndicates that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking better lives.
The DFA emphasized the need for vigilance among Filipinos traveling overseas, urging them to be aware of drug syndicates' tactics and to refuse to carry any package not personally packed and thoroughly inspected.
The DFA issued an urgent reminder that while the Philippine government will exhaust all avenues to assist overseas nationals, the laws and sovereign decisions of foreign countries will prevail in such cases.
Dec 2, 2023
