RP diplomats ready to assist Nora

WASHINGTON — Filipino diplomats in Washington and Los Angeles are monitoring the case of movie star Nora Aunor, who was arrested last week at the Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly possessing methamphetamine, to ensure she is not convicted without a fair trial or on trumped-up charges, Philippine embassy officials here said.

Philippine Ambassador Albert del Rosario said he has instructed the Consulate General in Los Angeles to make sure "the legal process is observed and she (Aunor) has appropriate legal assistance."

"We’re trying to ascertain what help she needs, which is what we normally do for any Filipino citizen who has difficulty in the United States. We’re trying to help her as a citizen of the Philippines," Del Rosario told The STAR.

But informed embassy sources said Filipino diplomats only sprang into action after Del Rosario received a telephone call Saturday night from the Foreign Office in Manila about Aunor, known to be close to President Arroyo.

As he was away at a reception, Del Rosario reportedly asked one of his embassy staff to call Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor in Los Angeles to pass on Manila’s instructions.

The STAR attempted to talk to Paynor but was told by a consulate staffer that he had left Sunday morning for Rome.

The staffer said Noemi Diaz, a consulate officer and lawyer, has been assigned to monitor the Aunor case.

Asked who was representing Aunor, Del Rosario said, "I think she has her own legal counsel."

In a report last month, the US State Department said illegal drug trade in the Philippines is a billion-dollar industry and the country is a major producer of crystal methamphetamine, known locally as shabu.

In addition to being a major producer of shabu, the Philippines also produces, consumes and exports marijuana. It also serves as a transshipment point for further export of methamphetamine made by foreign manufacturers, the report said.

Aunor, 51, was arrested last Wednesday while allegedly in possession of eight grams of methamphetamine in her carry-on bag and a glass pipe (tooter) wrapped in a T-shirt, the Daily Breeze of Torrance reported. — With Paolo Romero, Pia Lee-Brago