Indonesian president in Philippines amid controversy over death row Filipina

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Widodo Arrives in Philippines While Fate of Filipina on Death Row Persists – www.plnmedia.com

Indonesian Presiden Joko Widodo arrived in the Philippines Sunday, as a Filipina faces execution by firing squad for her part in a drug smuggling scheme. 

Widodo has made a three-nation trip, visiting Malaysia, Brunei and now the Philippines. He will meet President Benigno Aquino on Monday and the pair are expected to sign several agreements.

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However, the visit comes as the Philippines tries to prevent the execution of a Filipina facing the death penalty for smuggling heroin. 

A spokesman for Aquino said the leaders would discuss drug trafficking issues but did not say if they would address the case of the woman, who has not been publicly named.

“We are in discussions to further work out cooperation in various areas of mutual interest and concerns, such as migrant workers, technical-vocational skills upgrading, the combating of trafficking of narcotics, and educational visits,” he said.

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Widodo has disappointed numerous countries in recent times by allowing the execution of 6 drug offenders, including five foreigners.

The Philippines does not have the death penalty and the fate of the Filipinos abroad has caused a political hot potato in a country where 10 per cent of the population is forced to seek work overseas. 

 

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