China has executed two Filipinos convicted of drug trafficking, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Saturday. These executions occurred despite earnest appeals from the Philippine government to convert their death sentences into life imprisonment.
The identities of the executed individuals have been withheld, respecting the privacy requests of their families. The DFA announced the executions, which took place on November 24, only after receiving formal notification from China.
Details about the cases and the exact circumstances of the executions remain undisclosed by both Chinese and Philippine authorities. However, it is known that since their arrest in 2013 and subsequent conviction in 2016, the DFA provided extensive assistance, including legal defense funding.
The Philippine government made significant diplomatic efforts, including high-level political representations, to persuade the Chinese authorities to commute the sentences on humanitarian grounds. However, these efforts were unsuccessful as China upheld the convictions based on its internal laws.
In response to these events, the Philippine authorities have issued a renewed warning to Filipinos traveling abroad. They cautioned against involvement with drug syndicates, which often recruit unsuspecting travelers as drug couriers. The DFA emphasized that while the Philippine government strives to support its overseas nationals, the laws and sovereign decisions of foreign countries ultimately take precedence.
These executions occur amidst escalating territorial disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, marking a challenging period in their bilateral relations.
The DFA has lodged numerous diplomatic protests against China’s actions in these disputed waters since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s tenure began in June last year. The DFA expressed its sorrow over the loss of Filipino lives but reiterated its commitment to combating drug syndicates.
Meanwhile, two other Filipinos face death penalty cases under appeal in China, with their outcomes pending. Additionally, another Filipino, Mary Jabe Veloso, awaits execution in Indonesia for a similar offense. President Marcos has appealed for her sentence to be commuted or pardoned, but the outcome remains uncertain.