Manila: The Philippine government reiterated its appeal to Filipinos not to succumb to the lure of money in exchange for smuggling drugs abroad following a report that two individuals were intercepted by Macau authorities for carrying the banned substance.
In a statement, Malacanang warned Filipinos working as drug mules for international drug syndicates as it said that smuggling of such substances carry the penalty of death in most countries.
"These drug mules decide to smuggle banned substance on their own will own free will, but yet, it is the Filipino people who collectively suffer from the implications of their acts," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.
Lacierda issued the statement during an interview aired over government-run dzRB, following the arrest of two Filipinos in Macau for alleged drug trafficking last February 1.
The Philippine government which has a strong anti-illegal drug policy, is undertaking comprehensive and proactive measures to address the drug mules issue and to protect Filipinos from being victimized by international drug syndicates.
Lacierda said Filipinos should learn from the fate of those who were executed in China for drug trafficking last year.
"Here is appeal to Filipinos going abroad, let us not allow ourselves to be used by drug syndicates," he said as he urged Filipinos not to accept requests by their compatriots to carry items or other packages for them.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, two Filipinos - a man and a woman - were apprehended by the Judiciary Police in an apartment in Macau. The two Filipinos were reportedly found in possession of 46 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly known in the Philippines as shabu.
A suspected buyer, also a Filipino, was likewise invited by Macau police authorities for questioning.
There are at least 19 Filipinos currently detained in Macau on drug cases.
