Three Filipino drug couriers executed in China

China executed three Filipinos for drug smuggling yesterday, despite last-minute appeals for clemency by Philippine leaders.

Philippine consul Noel Novicio said Sally Ordinario-Villanueva and Ramon Credo met their families early yesterday before they were put to death by lethal injection in Xiamen city, south-east China.

The third Filipino, Elizabeth Batain, was allowed to meet relatives hours before her execution in Shenzhen city.

It is the first time that Philippine citizens have been executed in China.