Chinese authorities have slapped the death penalty on a Filipina teacher found guilty of drug smuggling, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday. The death sentence, which was issued by a Municipal Intermediate People's Court last week, has a 2-year reprieve, the DFA said in a press statement, citing the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou. Her case will be elevated to the Guangdong High People's Court for automatic review, the department added. The Filipina was arrested for drug smuggling in October 2010 at the international airport in Guangzhou for carrying 1,996 grams of heroin hidden under her suitcase, according to court records. The woman had been working in China since 2006 and has a legitimate alien employment permit, the DFA said. "The Filipina's case discloses another case of 'could-be' drug mules indicating that even professionals are lured into said criminal activity due to the temptation of 'easy money,'" the DFA added. "Drug-trafficking syndicates entice their victims by convincing them that by simply becoming so-called 'viajeras,' transporting 'goods' from a jump-off country into China, large amount of money can be earned. The Consulate General reiterated its warning for Filipinos to avoid accepting offers to carry illegal drugs when going abroad in exchange for money, as harsh penalties await them in their destinations. Three Filipinos -- Ramon Credo, Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, and Elizabeth Batain -- were executed in China last March 30 for drug traffickiing. "The Consulate General would like to reiterate that in China, a person caught in possession of illegal drugs in the amount of more than 50 grams will suffer the death penalty, if convicted," the DFA said. "Likewise, Filipino travelers should remain vigilant and responsible in verifying invitations to work abroad which could turn out to be a modus operandi to recruit drug mules. Job offers without proper documentation and working visas should be verified with Philippine authorities," it added. The department said that common jump-off points for drug mules heading to China are Macau, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Vietnam Source:- ABS CBN News
