Government extending legal aid to Filipina held in Malaysia for drugs

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government will extend legal assistance to the Filipina arrested in Malaysia for allegedly trafficking over 5.9 kg of shabu.

“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,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement Thursday.

“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,” Panelo added.

Reports said a 32-year old Filipina, who may be sentenced to death, was arrested in a house in Manggatal in Sabah, Malaysia over drug trafficking on Tuesday.

READ: Filipina nabbed with 5.9 kg of shabu in Kota Kinabalu; could face death penalty

“But if evidence proves that she is deeply involved in drug trafficking, then we will let the law take its course,” Panelo said. /gsg