Release of 6 Pinoy prisoners in Palau sought

KOROR, Palau — Philippine Embassy officials here are seeking the release of at least six Filipino prisoners, who (except for one) have been convicted for illegal drug trafficking.

One of the five Filipino inmates was reportedly a woman while the sixth prisoner was said to have been found guilty for killing another Filipino.

Penalties for drug offenses in Palau are high and possession of illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin or shabu, carries a mandatory sentence of 25 years.

The six prisoners were among the over 5,000 Filipino workers who have been employed here in Palau in various industries, including tourism, agriculture, fishing and construction. Others also work as domestic helpers.

Filipinos make up the bulk of the foreign workers in Palau and are scattered across the 16 states of this tiny island nation.

According to Philippine Ambassador to Palau Ramoncito Mariño, representations have already been made to Palau’s Ministry of Justice for the release of the six Filipinos.

"We are appealing to the Palau government to allow these Filipino prisoners to go home or to continue serving their sentence in the Philippines so that they can be near their relatives and avail of rehabilitation programs for detainees," Mariño said.

One of the six Filipino prisoners is set to be released this month after serving seven years at the prison facility in Koror.

The prisoner has reportedly been able to comply with the requirements for exemplary behavior while in prison in Palau.

Efforts are also reportedly being made for the possible pardon of the Filipino inmate who was sentenced for the murder of his co-worker following representations made by the owner of the commercial establishment they were both working for in Koror.

There could also be chances that that prisoner would be pardoned, but this will depend on the higher officials of Palau.

The president of Palau is reportedly the only one who could grant pardon to the prisoners, including foreign offenders.