THE Philippine government is ready to grant free legal assistance to the Filipina arrested for allegedly trafficking over 5.9 kilograms of shabu in Malaysia, Malacañang said on Thursday, July 25.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement following reports that a 32-year-old Filipina was apprehended during a drug raid conducted by Sabah police at a house in Manggatal town in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on Tuesday, July 23.

"The government will provide her with free legal assistance to protect her rights as she is a Filipino citizen. She could be an innocent courier and not a drug pusher or drug trafficker," Panelo said in a statement.

Drug trafficking charges in Malaysia are punishable by death.

Under existing Malaysian laws, anyone caught with 200 grams of cannabis, one kilogram of opium, 40 grams of cocaine, and 15 grams of heroin or morphine would be charged with drug trafficking.

Panelo said, however, that the Philippine government would let the law run its course if there is strong evidence against her.

"If she is found guilty unfairly by the Malaysian court we can avail of legal remedies available under the Malaysian legal system to exonerate her," the Palace official said.

"But if evidence proves that she is deeply involved in drug trafficking, then we will let the law take its course," he added. (SunStar Philippines)