PDEA opposed executive clemency for 3 freed Chinese drug lords

PDEA chief Aaron Aquino. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Friday revealed that it opposed earlier this year the executive clemency plea of three Chinese nationals, who were convicted for illegal drugs but were recently released possibly due to the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) policy.

PDEA Director General Aquino said the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP), through a letter dated January 14, asked the agency to comment on the possible grant of executive clemency to select personalities who were incarcerated over drugs.

PDEA responded in a letter dated February 13 objecting to the executive clemency for 13 personalities, including Chinese nationals Pang Ho, Wu Hing Sum, and Kin San Ho “due to the gravity of their offenses.”

The four have been identified as Chan Chit Yue, Kin San Ho, Ching Che, Wu Hing Sum.

Aquino said the three were sentenced to reclusion perpetua for violation of Section 15 (Sale, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Transportation and Distribution of Regulated Drugs), Article III of Republic Act 6425, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972.

“It is very questionable why they were released,” Aquino said in a statement, adding that the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and BPP did not consult the anti-drug agency regarding the release of these convicted Chinese nationals through GCTA.

Aquino further said BuCor and BPP also did not seek the comment of PDEA regarding the release of convicted Chinese national Chan Chit Yue and Ching Che.

“PDEA will not just concur to any decision rendered by any institution as it gives paramount importance to the efforts of the government in its fight against illegal drugs. We are disappointed by the decision that we believe did not conform to the process,” he said.

It was Senator Panfilo Lacson who first revealed that the five Chinese drug convicts were released from the New Bilibid Prison, supposedly for showing good conduct while serving their jail sentences.

READ: 4 convicted Chinese drug lords released from jail since June — Lacson

The Bureau of Immigration had confirmed that the Chinese nationals were released from jail and are now under their custody for deportation.

On Friday, Lacson said that three more convicted Chinese drug lords were released from prison in the previous months for showing good behavior while locked up.

READ: 3 more drug lords released from jail for good conduct, says Lacson

/kga