Vigils launched for Filipino in China's death row

Migrante International and its affiliates had begun the five o'clock habit or series of vigils and protest actions as the death of the 35 year old Filipino, sentenced to death due to drug-related offense, is getting nearer.

The unidentified Filipino in death row is said to be scheduled for execution on December 8, in an undisclosed place and time. The said OFW [overseas Filipino worker] was allegedly caught with more than 4 kilos of heroin and was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of China. However, news reports said, the Filipino is still unaware that his life would be taken away on December 8.

Migrante International chair Garry Martinez said the Philippine government has not been transparent on how it processes the negotiations over cases of Filipinos who had been facing grave felony cases in the People's Republic of China.

"As early as February 2010, we have been trying to catch the PH government's attention over the cases of Filipinos facing death sentences in China, as there were three who had already been executed because of the same felony. The Government's reaction always seems to be delayed. Ngayon, nagkukumahog na naman ang gobyerno natin kung kailan malapit na ang araw ng pagbitay," Martinez noted.

Martinez also said that there must be a thorough review on Government policies on how to handle cases of Filipinos abroad, particularly those who had been accused of drug trafficking in order to prevent more executions.

"These are not isolated cases," Martinez opined. "The government has to do something in order to prevent executions. It should be quick in appealing these cases, hindi iyong paisa-isa lang at kung kailan naririyan na ang iskedyul ng pagbitay. Kung ganito lagi, lagi na lang tayong maghihintay na mamatay at lagi tayong maghahabol sa tambol mayor sa punto ng pag-aapela," he said.

Meanwhile, on December 7, the eve of the execution of the said Filipino, OFWs and their families will hold a vigil in Mendiola. On the day of the execution, they will also hold a protest on the foot of Chino Roces (formerly Mendiola) Bridge to air their grievances against the alleged neglect of the Government to OFWs. -CBCP — ARA