Pinay held for drug trafficking in Malaysia; Palace says she could be innocent


By VIRGIL LOPEZ, GMA News
Authorities in Malaysia have arrested a Filipina for allegedly trafficking over 5.9 kilograms of shabu at a house in Kota Kinabalu, a media report said.
The 32-year-old Filipina, whose name was not identified in the report of Malaysian newspaper The Star, could face the death sentence if found guilty of the charges.
In a statement, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Philippine government will be extending free legal assistance to the Filipina.
“She could be an innocent courier and not a drug pusher or drug trafficker. If she is found guilty unfairly by the Malaysian court, then we can avail of legal remedies available under the Malaysian legal system to exonerate her,” Panelo said on Thursday.
“But if evidence proves that she is deeply involved in drug trafficking, then we will let the law take its course.”
The report said the Sabah police raided on Tuesday a house in Manggatal town where the Filipina was apprehended. Police also seized 5.4 kilograms illegal drugs from a car and the rest were stored in tea packets.
The Sabah police said the illegal drugs belonged to a man who remains at large and were supposed to be sold in the local market.
Early this year, Buhay party-list Representative Lito Atienza said there were 48 Filipinos on death row in Malaysia, which executes offenders convicted of major crimes through hanging. —KBK, GMA News

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