Filipino to be executed in China today meets family

MANILA, Philippines — The 35-year old Filipino convicted for drug trafficking in China met members of his family around 9 a.m.  (Manila Time) Thursday, at least two hours before his scheduled execution by lethal injection, reports reaching the Office of Vice President Jejomar Binay said.

The meeting took place in the city of Guilin in the Guangzxi Zhuang autonomous region, where the convicted drug mule was also read of his sentence, the report said.

After the promulgation of the sentence, the Filipino convict will be taken to another facility about a two-hour drive, for the execution, the report said.

Consul General Raly Tejada was quoted as saying by Binay’s office that as of 10 a.m., the Guilin municipal trial court in Guangzi province affirmed the death penalty of the Filipino convict.

Chinese authorities said they would call Binay after the execution has been carried out.

The Philippines tried, but failed to convince the Chinese government to commute the death sentence of the Filipino national,  who was convicted for smuggling 1.495 kilos of heroin  on Sept. 13, 2008 at the Guilin International Airport.

Binay, who is also Presidential Adviser of  Overseas Concerns, will make the official announcement on the execution via Skype as he is attending a conference in Bali, Indonesia, his office said. Tina Santos, Inquirer

For more of the report, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM.