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ERAP ORDERS LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR ALMA

Manila, August 1, 1998 - President Estrada said Friday he will ask Philippine Consul General Antonio Villamor in Guam to extend all legal assistance to beleaguered actress Alma Concepcion who was arrested by American Customs authorities for alleged possession of shabu.

The President said Concepcion will be accorded all protection due every Filipino citizen in distress here and abroad but will receive no special treatment.

"As a Filipino citizen, Concepcion is entitled to every assistance that our government can give," President Estrada said.

Concepcion, a former Miss Philippines, is being detained by the Guam police pending payment of bail, pegged at $50,000 or P2.2 million.

She was collared by Custom officials upon arrival at the Guam International Airport after they allegedly found .02 grams of "ice", known locally as shabu, in her shoulder bag.

Concepcion passed by Guam on her way home from Saipan where she crowned the little Miss CNMI-Philippines, a contest organized by the Filipino organization Cabalen Inc.