OFW Recalls How Scary it is to be Suspected as Drug Trafficker in KSA

According to a report released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) last month, there are around 3,000 Filipino Overseas Workers (OFW) jailed outside the Philippines.

The top two countries are Malaysia with 987 inmates, followed by Saudi Arabia with 971.

All over the world, 634 Filipinos were detained for drug trafficking and of this figure, 347 were women and 287 men, the DFA said.

Despite of the government’s campaign and reminders to OFWs not to get involved in any illegal activities, especially outside the country, more Filipinos are still falling into the drug trap.

In Middle East where drug-related cases carries severe penalty, one can be convicted regardless if you are just a user of a pusher.

Facebook user Francis Calipusan Ciba shares his terrifying experience in Saudi Arabia, when one of his flatmates was arrested due to drug-related case. According to him, all of them who are living in the same flat were investigated – and the experience was just horrible.

Below is his actual Facebook post that he wanted to share to everyone, especially to OFWs in Middle East.

Although frame-up for other people like him who are living under the same roof with the real suspect is unlikely, the experience was still horrendous.

Many convicted Filipinos; especially those in death row are saying that they were just framed. On a simple man’s perspective – especially those who never been associated with any illegal drugs, the said “framing” is less possible.

Authorities don’t just pick random people from streets or from their homes and charge them with illegal drug trafficking.

“If you want to go home to your family when your contract is over, distance yourself from illegal activities”, former OFW-turned-businessman Albert Cepeda said.

/Carla Gamboa/

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