Two Filipinos arrested in Milan for drugs

(UPDATE) THE Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Milan appealed to Filipinos to adhere to the laws of Italy following the recent arrest of two Filipinos for alleged drug trafficking.

The two were arrested on Tuesday night for buying and selling shabu.

The Consulate reminded Filipinos in Milan and in other parts of northern Italy "to respect the laws of Italy and avoid prohibited acts that will tarnish the good image of Filipinos."

"Last night, authorities arrested two of our fellowmen for buying and selling shabu," the PCG posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

"They will join in jail some of our fellowmen who were detained due to drugs," the PCG said in Filipino. "We should not follow their lead. Let's us always follow the law [of Italy]."

The PCG earlier cautioned Filipinos against getting arrested for the improper use of public parks after some local residents complained of Filipinos gambling and drinking at the Parco Bande Nere.

The residents complained that some Filipinos were also rowdy, left garbage, cooked food, sold food, and urinated in public.

The consulate appealed to concerned Filipinos to adhere to local rules and regulations regarding the use of the park and not "tarnish the image of Filipinos."

"Promoting better understanding between kababayan (fellow Filipinos) and their host communities abroad is a very important responsibility of our embassies and consulates around the world," the consulate said in a statement.

The Philippines' Consul General in Milan Elmer Cato recently visited the Comune di Milano for a meeting with residents around Parco Bande Nere.

During the meeting, which was arranged by Councilor Enrico Marcora, Cato listened to the concerns raised by residents regarding the use of the park, which is being frequented by Filipinos and other expatriates.

"Because the residents' complaints have basis, the Polizia Locale (local police) would come up with measures against those who would violate the proper use of the Bande Nere and other parks," the consulate said.

"Let us not tarnish our image. Let us always follow the rules and regulations in Italy."