Stop saving drug mules abroad, gov’t told

Rappler.com

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Two congressmen say appealing for convicted drug traffickers puts in question PH's own anti-drug war, and wastes taxpayers' money

MANILA, Philippines – Two days after the Philippine government failed to save a Filipino on China’s death row, two solons pushed for a “hands-off” policy on drug mules abroad, whom one of them called an “embarrassment.”

Pulling all stops to save those who committed serious crimes abroad sends the wrong message, according to Reps Mel Senen Sarmiento of Western Samar and Jerry Treñas of Iloilo.

“I think that it’s time for us to adopt a hands-off policy on cases of Filipinos that involve narco-trafficking, even in countries that still implement death penalty. It’s time that we stop unnecessarily placing our government’s war against drug abuse in serious question,” Sarmiento said.

He criticized Filipino drug traffickers abroad, such as the 35-year-old Filipina who was executed Wednesday, July 3, for drug trafficking.

“They are destroying the future of our youth and they are tearing families apart. We must stop protecting those who are behind this scourge even if they are Filipinos. They are an embarrassment to all of us and they do not deserve any of our sympathy,” Sarmiento said.

The Philippine government should stop assisting drug traffickers after the trial stage, Sarmiento said.

The country should “show no mercy” to drug traffickers, Treñas added. “We don’t want to be wasting public funds on Filipinos abroad who are found to be serial killers and drug traffickers, don’t we?”

He said: “We don’t want to be a laughing stock in the diplomatic community where the integrity of the nation is at stake. We should set the standards on what cases should only deserve government support using our taxpayers’ money.” – Paterno Esmaquel II/Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!