DFA seeks to save couple on death row in Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines - The government is exhausting all legal means to spare the life of a Filipino couple meted the death penalty for drug-related offenses in Malaysia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The couple was sentenced to death by the Malaysian Federal Court in April for drug trafficking, affirming the decision by the Court of Appeals a year ago. 

They were arrested by Malaysian authorities in August 2005 at the Kota Kinabalu Daya Hotel for possession of 450 grams of shabu found in the soles of their shoes. Upon their arrest, they sought and continue to have private counsel to represent them in court.

According to the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the couple’s relatives did not inform them about the case until July 2009, when the case was at a relatively advanced stage.

Upon learning about the case, embassy officials immediately provided assistance to the couple, visiting them in prison to check on their condition and health. 

“Like the Philippines, Malaysia has a strong anti-drug policy, and we respect that. We also recognize the gravity of their offenses,” said DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Esteban Conejos Jr.