Sunday, March 27, 2011

Kin, groups ask China to spare lives of 3 Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines - Families and workers' groups called on China to spare the lives of 3 Filipinos scheduled for execution this month for alleged drug trafficking.

Edith Ordinario couldn't hold back her emotions as she held the picture of her daughter, Sally Ordinario-Villanueva.

Villanueva is among 3 Filipinos scheduled to be executed in China on March 30.

“Makikita mong nakangiti ang anak mo tapos bangkay na lang iuuwi mo,” Mrs. Ordinario tearfully said.

Mrs. Ordinario continues to stand by her daughter's innocence despite her daughter being convicted of drug trafficking charges in China.

“Ang sakit! Bibitayin ang anak mo ng wala siyang kasalanan! Ang dapat makulong 'yung mga bumiktima sa kanya, mga sindikato na yan!” she stressed.

Villanueva’ father, meanwhile, lashed out at the Department of Foreign Affairs for trying to hide them from the media.

"Alam nilang buhay ang pinag-uusapan. Sa kanila kaya mangyari ang ganyan at ako ang nasa pwesto nila," Villanueva’s father said.

Meanwhile, the family of Elizabeth Batain went to Vice President Jejomar Binay to seek his help.

Binay has already written to the Chinese government to ask for clemency for Filipinos on death row, citing humanitarian grounds and strong relations between the Philippines and China.

Binay again called on the Chinese government to spare the lives of the Filipinos.

Activist groups Akbayan and Migrante International also called on China to stop the executions.

"Sana naman ho the Chinese government will show mercy," Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello said.

They say they respect Chinese laws, but the case of the 3 Filipinos must be studied further since they were victims of drug syndicates.

“Hindi naman hayop ang anak ko! Tao siya! Ang dapat lang kumuha sa kanya ay ang Panginoon, hindi tao,” Villanueva’s mother added.

On Thursday night, Migrante held a prayer vigil for the 3 Filipinos. Another vigil is also scheduled on Tuesday, a day before the scheduled execution.

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