According to The Manila Times, the 35 year old Filipino from Bataan was not actually an Overseas Filipino Worker in China. He was a tourist, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) declared by Director General Jose Guttierez Jr. earlier this week. Gutierres also said the drug courier earned as much as US$4,000 to US$6,000 for each trip he made. Wow! easy money but not enough to risk your own life, and putting shame to your own country. Many people has condemned his act as a drug mule, he doesn't learn from past events of Filipino drug executions, matigas talaga ulo ng filipino (filipino's got a thick skull). News like this really effects the image of the OFW''s which are known for their quality hard work and dedication, it also ruins our reputation on the international community.
Previous drug mules executed were Sally Ordinario- Villanueva 32; Ramon Credo 42; and Elizabeth Batain 38, in Xiamen and Shenzhen, China last March
Money Money Money, mighty Dollars Dollars
Money... the root of all evil, when a man has nothing to eat he will do anything just to feed his empty stomach, give him money and will do anything. In this case its poverty. Those who are mostly living in poverty are very vulnerable in doing illegal activities, even if it is very risky those people will still take the chance.
OFW's are lured and offered a huge amount of money to carry prohibited drugs mostly in Hong Kong, China, Macau, Philippines and Malaysia; they conceal drugs in their luggage, sole of slippers, clothes, bags, shoes, stuff toys and they even swallow some of the illegal drugs and tucking a condom-full of drugs inside their anal or genitals, these drugs are usually from Nigeria or Brazil and sent most of them to Asia.
But its not always a happy ending for drug carriers and syndicates. They are being nabbed at destination point's airports; aren't aware of special x-ray machines, those that can detect contraband of drugs even sewed inside a human body.
And the dream has ended...
they just wanted to get rich so bad, now ended up, locked up abroad.
Jailed, imprisoned and only awaits for doomsday to come. Then will cry for help from the government. Then the Vice President will come again to China, then begs again for not killing the convicted drug mule, writes letters, the government will do anything.
In short, these Pinoy drug carriers are a pain in the A@$. The government will spend a lot of money for saving a convicted drug carrier, I don't know why... maybe because he is a kababayan, but come on! the issue is drugs! and in most countries, illegal drug conviction could lead to death penalty. Unlike in the Philippines, drug lords live in mansions and no strict law on drugs, because protectors of these drug syndicates are Politicians, Police or any high ranking officials, those who are caught are just small fry's and they cannot catch the biggest fish, if caught they always escape. And just recently 3 Chinese with drug cases had escaped thanks to the jail officer.
According to a official report, almost 60 Filipinos are currently in death row in China for drug- related offences. Of this figure, almost 50 are women and 10 men.
In Chinese law, drug trafficking of a minimum 50 grams and up of illegal drugs are punishable by 15 years, life imprisonment or death.
For OFW's this is just an advice:
- Remind from bringing "Padala or package" without opening to insure their are no illegal drugs are concealed.
- Don't be enticed by sweet talking syndicates of letting you bring drugs to China or any other country, don't accept bribe money, if they let you bring a package kindly check if it has some illegal stuff in it.
- No Intervention policy of the Philippine government. If a Filipino intends to get involved in drug trafficking, he will be on his own. The government will not intervene for his freedom if caught.
- Don't trust those who offer huge amount of money just to bring a package without knowing whats inside.
Poverty is the main catalyst, and our government must provide jobs. An increase in its public service will lessen Filipinos seeking fortune abroad. Lets not waste another Filipinos life in death row.
