Pubdate: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 Source: Manila Times (Philippines) Copyright: 2004, The Manila Times Contact: http://www.manilatimes.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921 Author: Maricel Cruz , Reporter Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women) 979 FILIPINAS IN FOREIGN JAILS ON DRUG CHARGES AN administration lawmaker on Monday expressed alarm at reports that 979 Filipino women have been languishing in foreign jails for serving as cocaine couriers. Lakas Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon disclosed that Filipino women in foreign countries including Argentina, Denmark, Ecuador and Pakistan were serving time for acting as "mules," or couriers of drug syndicates. "Finding where Filipino women are detained for drug-related offenses is a course in world geography," he said, citing a Department of Foreign Affairs report. Zubiri, a member of the House Committee on Foreign Relations, called on the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to include in its predeparture orientation seminars a warning to OFWs not to carry luggage for others because these may be filled with illegal drugs. He said many of those arrested were lured by the "big bucks paid for serving as mules," with rates going as high as $25,000, according to a report from the foreign affairs department. "Offers to serve as drug couriers allegedly vary from $15,000 a kilo to as high as $25,000 depending on the drug's destination," Zubiri said. Other unsuspecting victims agreed to carry luggage for others with cocaine hidden inside the bags. Most Filipino women arrested for drug trafficking abroad were sweet-talked into accepting padala (package) from friendly foreigners, Zubiri said. This naivete has prompted Philippine diplomats in the Scandinavian countries to ask labor officials in Manila to counsel OFWs in their predeparture orientation seminar not to accept luggage from casual acquaintances.