Philippine Embassy Urges Immediate Information

on the Arrests of Filipinos in Iran

Charge d’ Affaires, a.i. (CDA) Mariano A. Dumia called on H.E. Seyed Hossein Mirfakhar, Director General (DG) for Consular Affairs of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) last week and briefed him on the cases of Filipinos inmates in Iran. He informed DG Mirfakhar that there are currently eight Filipinos in various prisons in the country who are facing illegal drug cases. Six of them have been sentenced to life imprisonment while two are yet to be informed of the court’s decision on their cases. All the inmates said they were not aware of the presence of illegal drugs in their luggage; that the luggage was given to them by unnamed persons before proceeding to the airport.

CDA Dumia emphasized to DG Mirfakhar that the Embassy was not informed of the arrests of the Filipinos who were later charged for possession of illegal drugs. He added that the Embassy was not also informed of the schedule of court hearings and thus was not able to provide the necessary legal assistance to them. Dumia said although the Filipinos were provided legal counsels and interpreters by the courts, the embassy should have been informed so that its officers would have attended the court hearings and extended appropriate assistance to them. Dumia further informed Mirfakhar that aside from those arrested for illegal drugs, a number of Filipinos in Kish Island encounter various problems while waiting for their entry visa or work permits in the United Arab Emirates.   

Citing pertinent provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, Dumia urged that the Embassy be immediately informed on the arrest of Filipinos in the country. This would enable the Embassy to immediately visit the Filipinos, extend moral support and all possible assistance to them. This also applies to schedules of court hearings. DG Mirfakhar agreed that all diplomatic missions should be informed immediately on the arrest of its nationals in the country. He assured Dumia that he will instruct the various concerned offices to coordinate closely with the judicial authorities; get information on arrested foreign nationals and inform the concerned embassies accordingly. DG Mirfakhar further assured Dumia that his office will do its best to cooperate with the embassy regarding the problems of Filipinos in Iran. Dumia thanked Mirfakhar for receiving him in his office at a short notice and for his kind cooperation in serving the needs of Filipinos in Iran. END