On execution of 3 OFWs
PNP Chief calls for prayer
by: Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Mar 25 (PIA) “Let us just pray their souls for now,” Police Sr. Supt Rey Lyndon Lawas referred to the three Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in China convicted of drug trafficking to be executed on March 30.
In a press conference conducted by the Philippine Information Agency, Col Lawas said “it is sad to think for our OFWs fate, but we can not question the final verdict of the Chinese courts, let them face the consequence.”
However, he said the cases of the three should serve as a lesson to the Filipino people that drug trafficking carries a harsh punishment.
Thus, Col Lawas warned the OFWs to be extra careful of accepting offers from any individuals to carry illegal drugs in their luggage when going abroad.
In the same activity, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Special Investigator Ivy Oledan also cautioned Filipinos to be wary of the modus operandi used by drug syndicates to lure innocent individuals. She cited that some drug mules are recruited through internet chat rooms.
Oledan, however, said there has no record of an OFW from Negros Oriental as drug mule but the agency is vigilant of any drug users and pushers in the province.
The community should also help monitor any illegal drug activities in their own surroundings so as to minimize if not eradicate drug menace, Oledan said
PDEA official urged everyone who has knowledge of somebody bringing illegal drugs out or in the province should report at once to concern law enforcement agencies.
For now, PDEA in cooperation with PIA heightened awareness on the modus operandi of drug syndicates that may victimize unsuspecting individuals who are recruited as drug couriers.
Under Administrative Order (AO) 279 an inter-agency task force was created for the prevention of Filipinos being used as drug couriers by international drug trafficking syndicates.
The Drug Couriers Task Force (TFDC) is composed of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency as chair; the DFA as co-chair; and the Department of Labor and Employment, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Customs, the NBI, the Philippine Information Agency, the Manila International Airport Authority, and the Philippine Tourism Authority as members. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Public urged to report illegal drugs-related info to authorities
by: Rachelle M. Nessia
DUMAGUETE CITY, March 25 (PIA) --- If you know any illegal drugs-related activities going on in your area, let the police know about it right away.
This was the appeal made by local authorities in a press conference held March 25 at Plaza Ma. Luisa Suites Inn in view of the three Filipinos who are scheduled to be executed on March 30 for illegal drugs trafficking in China.
“Please report to us any information you know on drug activities in your area so we, the police, can act on it,” stressed Provincial Police Director Col. Rey Lyndon Lawas, adding that there are certain information about illegal operations that only the public has access to.
This was echoed by Special Investigator Ivy Oledan of the local Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) here, lamenting the seemingly passive attitude of the community in the drive against illegal drugs.
“Sadly, the community members who know about these things won't care to report it to us. Most of the time, the persons who come to tip us off are those who have become affected, such as a loved one or a family member has become involved in the illegal drugs trade,” said Oledan.
Lawas said the March 30 execution of the three convicted Filipino drug mules should serve as a lesson to everyone, and a serious warning to those involved, or may be thinking of getting involved, in illegal drugs trafficking.
“Poverty is not an excuse to join the illegal drugs trade. Don't let yourselves be used as drug mules,” the police director said.
Lawas also noted the need to review the security measures in the Philippines to find out how the Filipino drug couriers were able to slip past local security and end up being caught in China. (RMN/PIA-7 Negros Oriental)