THREE Filipino women were charged in Dubai for drug trafficking, the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

The DFA said that Crizelda Empleo, Jackie Lou Jabate and Rhoda Guisinga were accused of trafficking “tramadol,” a narcotic-like drug used to treat severe pain.

An experienced Bahraini lawyer hired by the Consulate will represent the Filipino accused in today’s hearing, said Philippine Consul General to Dubai Benito Valeriano.

Mohammed Pukunum, head of the Assistance-to-Nationals section of the Consulate, attended the earlier court hearing.

Guisinga, Jabate and Empleo were arrested inside Hamarain Mall on Nov. 10, 2010 where they were supposed to meet an Egyptian friend.

Dubai police officers apprehended Guisinga who was found out in possession of a red plastic bag allegedly containing the illegal drugs. The bag was allegedly handed over by the Egyptian.

Guisinga was charged with possession of illegal drugs while Jabate and Empleo were both charged with criminal complicity or “accessory to possession of illegal drugs.”

The Consulate’s ATN officers regularly visit the three Filipinos at the Al Muraqqabat police station where they are detained.