By Genalyn Kabiling
The Philippine government is prepared to provide legal assistance to the Filipina arrested for alleged drug trafficking in Malaysia amid concerns she might just be an “innocent courier."
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, however, said the government would let the law take its course if proven she was involved in the illegal drug trade.
"The government will provide her with free legal assistance to protect her rights as she is a Filipino citizen. She could be an innocent courier and not a drug pusher or drug trafficker,” Panelo said in a statement.
"If she is found guilty unfairly by the Malaysian court we can avail of legal remedies available under the Malaysian legal system to exonerate her. But if evidence proves that she is deeply involved in drug trafficking, then we will let the law take its course,” he added.
Panelo was reacting to reports that a Filipino citizen was recently arrested for allegedly trafficking over 5.9 kilograms of shabu in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
The arrest of the drug suspect was reportedly made during a drug raid conducted by the Sabah police authorities. Most of the illegal substance was reportedly kept in tea packets apparently to avoid detection.