Gov't seeks lesser penalty for Pinoy seaman in Malaysia
The Philippine government is seeking a lesser penalty for a Filipino seaman sentenced to death by the Malaysian high court for sneaking in illegal drugs in the country in 2002.
"We shall continue to appeal the case and seek a lesser penalty, but we must bear in mind that the charges are most serious and punishable by death even under our laws," Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said in a statement posted at the government website www.ops.gov.ph.
The Filipino seaman was identified as Nelson Tanoja, a native of Davao, who was found guilty of carrying some 500 grams of cocaine when nabbed by airport authorities in Kuala Lumpur.
Bunye said the government is extending legal assistance to Tanoja and that due process have been observed and that his rights are protected under the laws of Malaysia.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs has also kept the family informed of every development along the way," said Bunye.
abs-cbnNEWS.com monitor (OPS)