Cancellation of passport of 'drug queen' sought

MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs should cancel the passport of Guia Gomez Castro, tagged by authorities as a "drug queen" who was in cahoots with rogue cops who recycle seized drugs, Sen. Franklin Drilon said on Monday.

Under the Philippine Passport Act, the foreign affairs secretary is authorized to cancel a passport "in the interest of national security" or when the holder of the passport is a fugitive from justice, Drilon said.

"It appears that Mrs. Castro does not intend to return to the country and face the warrants of arrest issued against her since 2002 for violation of Republic Act 6425 or the Dangerous Drugs Act. Hence, she is a fugitive from justice," Drilon said in a statement.

“The DFA, to avoid miscarriage of justice and by virtue of the Philippine Passport Act, can validly and lawfully cancel her passport so we can restrict Castro's movement, and summon her back to the country to face charges against her.”

The justice department was still determining whether the courts have already issued hold departure orders against Castro, said DOJ Spokesperson Markk Perete.

Authorities earlier said Castro has already left the Philippines.

Castro is facing three arrest warrants, the police said.

Some corrupt policemen who are allegedly in cahoots with Castro foiled several attempts to arrest her, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency earlier said.

Castro has denied her alleged drug ties.