Pubdate: Wed, 27 Apr 2005
Source: People's Journal (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 People's Journal
Contact: http://www.journal.com.ph/contactus.asp
Website: http://www.journal.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3381
Author: Raul S. Beltran
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

EXPANDED RP-SINO COOPERATION VS ILLEGAL DRUGS SOUGHT

THE former chairman of the House committee on illegal drugs yesterday
sought an expanded cooperation between the Philippines and China in
the fight against illegal drugs, including the existing extradition
treaty between the two countries.

Rep. Antonio Cuenco (Lakas, Cebu), now the chairman of the House
committee on foreign affairs, said he will ask Speaker Jose de Venecia
to include among the talking points the extradition of Chinese
nationals involved in the illegal trade in the Philippines when House
leaders meet with visiting Chinese Premier Hu Jintao.

The Chinese leader is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress
today as part of his three-day visit to the country.

Cuenco noted that the existing treaty between the two countries does
not allow China to turn over its nationals to Philippine authorities
regardless of the crimes or charges committed by such nationals.

"The only option available if extradition is not granted is to ask the
Chinese government to prosecute the accused in accordance with Chinese
laws," he said.

He also urged House leaders meeting with the Chinese leaders to brief
him on the active participation of Chinese nationals not only in the
manufacture of illegal drugs, particularly methampethamine
hydrochloride (shabu) in laboratories in the Philippines, but also in
the importation of equipment and materials used in the production of
the illegal drugs.

In the more than 30 cases conducted by Philippine anti-illegal drug
authorities, Chinese nationals were often involved, he said, noting
that many of them have escaped arrest and fled to China.

"That's already the end of the story. The prosecution of the accused
is now hinged to the decision whether the Chinese government will turn
over the suspect to the Philippines," he said.

The congressman said Chinese nationals engaged in illegal drugs in the
Philippines hold "crucial information" about their local counterparts,
possibly including some members of law enforcement agencies.

"It is utterly impossible how they can set up laboratories and
warehouses without any partnership with local drug lords and big-time
protectors," Cuenco said.

The lawmaker also cited the need to thoroughly review the RP-China
memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Cooperation Against Illicit
Traffic and Abuse of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and
Precursor Chemicals and the RP-China MOU on Cooperation in Combating
Transnational Crime which took effect on May 28, 2002.

"It wouldn't be amiss to point out that the Chinese government has to
implement higher controls and regulation of chemicals and other
substances used in the manufacture of illegal drugs," he added.
- ---