Americans Have Been Warned

[Jollygoodfellow]

Lucky us Aussie's have not been warned so we can still run amuck :13_4_10[1]: US nationals warned about poor conditions in Philippine prisons MANILA, Philippines—Americans in the Philippines have been advised to keep their noses clean because the US government will not be able to help them if they are sentenced to prison. “Be prepared to face the realities of what are by American standards inadequate facilities, poor food and deficient sanitation in prisons,” warned the US Embassy in Manila. American nationals who happen to be “in detention after arrest or are already serving a prison term upon conviction” in the country “should provide the embassy with the names of family or friends for financial assistance to enable you to buy dietary supplements and basic necessities like soap and toothpaste,” the embassy said in an “Emergency Services” advisory posted on its website. According to the mission, “the consul can help you arrange for remittances to be sent so as to ensure that the money reaches you intact.” The embassy also warned that “because of the incidence of violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act of the Philippines, it is necessary that Americans facing drug charges understand that stiff penalties are meted out to offenders.” “It is not correct to assume—as many do—that the worst punishment an American can receive for such a violation is deportation. Offenders are generally arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and until granted bail–which is not allowed in all cases–they remain in the custody and generally are confined in the rehabilitation center at Camp Bicutan in Taguig (City). In some drug cases where the amount found is more than 40 grams bail may not be available,” it said. The embassy noted that “under the amended Dangerous Drugs Act, the penalty for the use or possession of 750 grams or more of marijuana is reclusion perpetua (20-40 years) to death. The possession or use of prohibited drugs in the amount of 40 grams or more, such as opium, heroin, cocaine or hallucinogens, carries a penalty of reclusion perpetua to death plus immediate deportation after completion of the sentence.” “As of now, there is a moratorium of undefined length on executions,” the embassy noted. It reminded US nationals that while in the Philippines, they are “subject to Philippine laws and regulations which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not provide the same protections available in the US.” “Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the US for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, fined, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in the Philippines are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines,” it said. The mission also said the US government “cannot arrange for an American citizen to be released from jail or prison.” “US citizenship does not entitle anyone to special privileges in the Philippine legal system. The US embassy does not have the authority to intervene in the Philippine justice system and cannot act as a legal representative or provide legal advice to US citizens,” it said. But the embassy made the assurance that the US Department of State is “committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for American citizens imprisoned overseas.” “We assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international, US and Philippine laws. We monitor conditions in foreign prisons and protest allegations of abuse against American prisoners. We work with prison officials to seek treatment consistent with internationally recognized standards of human rights and due process.” “An embassy duty officer is always available for emergency assistance. The embassy’s American Citizen Services Section is available to assist in all matters relating to the arrest of an American citizen,” it said.http://globalnation.inquirer.net/19613/us-nationals-warned-about-poor-conditions-in-philippine-prisons

[FlyAway]

Drug traffickers are planing to use American citizens as "Mules" perhaps? Lots of reference towards drugs there.

[Call me bubba]

“the consul can help you arrange for remittances to be sent so as to ensure that the money reaches you intact.” We know that the jails/prisons here are NO COUNTRY CLUB, and the budget for decent or even acceptable health care,diet are truly lacking as what I & others have seen on TV or other reports,We know that we would never be in a situation that we could be "locked up" but it could occur or we may know of someone who may have "trouble" and would require help.(forum admin I am not trying to promote or advertise this organization but it is the only one that I have yet to read or hear about that provides help to fellow americans.)I wish to post that there is help in case we or we know of someone who has "legal issues", I have not read of any other "organizations" that provide help to those who in "trouble or in jail" only the AAP .http://www.americanassociationphilippines.org/socwelfare_svc.htmAssistance to the Prisoners Recognizing the person’s innate worth and dignity, AAP reaches out to incarcerated Americans in the Philippines. AAP conducts prison visits along with the US Embassy representatives to provide material aid and legal assistance, as deemed necessary.

[Jake]

“the consul can help you arrange for remittances to be sent so as to ensure that the money reaches you intact.” We know that the jails/prisons here are NO COUNTRY CLUB, and the budget for decent or even acceptable health care,diet are truly lacking as what I & others have seen on TV or other reports,We know that we would never be in a situation that we could be "locked up" but it could occuror we may know of someone who may have "trouble" and would require help. (forum admin I am not trying to promote or advertise this organization but it is the only one that I have yet to read or hear about that provides help to fellow americans.) I wish to post that there is help in case we or we know of someonewho has "legal issues", I have not read of any other "organizations" that provide help to those who in "trouble or in jail" only the AAP . http://www.americana...welfare_svc.htmAssistance to the Prisoners Recognizing the person’s innate worth and dignity, AAP reaches out to incarcerated Americans in the Philippines. AAP conducts prison visits along with the US Embassy representatives to provide material aid and legal assistance, as deemed necessary.

Thank you Ed for the link to American Association of the Philippines. Their home office is located in Makatiwith phone (632) 892-5198 or 752-2255. Their email: aap@eastern.com.ph As you mentioned, they tag along with embassy officials for visitations of American citizens incarcerated inthe Philippines. Please read carefully: ttp://manila.usemba...v/wwwharst.html. -- their legal actions is quitelimited. Here is their contact number: Embassy duty officer of American Citizen Services section, phone(301-2000 ext. 2246/2567). I certainly hope that embassies of other nationalities are equal or have better services for their own citizens. Respectfully -- Jake