The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has voiced sorrow and solidarity after a Filipino domestic worker in Kuwait was handed the death penalty, following her alleged involvement in the death of her employer’s child.
“Nakikiramay kami sa pamilyang Kuwaiti sa kanilang pagkawala, at kasabay nito ay nakikiramay kami sa mabigat na pinagdaraanan ng ating manggagawang Pilipino at ng kanyang pamilya,” the agency said in a statement.
The case has drawn deep concern, highlighting the vulnerability of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in foreign jurisdictions. Since the incident surfaced, the DMW said it has been working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to extend legal and consular assistance.
“Mula nang lumabas ang insidente, agad na nagbigay ng legal at konsular na tulong ang DMW kasama ang Department of Foreign Affairs at ang Philippine Embassy sa Kuwait. May abogado na humahawak sa kaso at ginagamit ang lahat ng legal na proseso sa ilalim ng batas ng Kuwait, kabilang ang pagsusumite ng apela,” the statement read.
The embassy is also closely monitoring the worker’s condition to ensure her rights are protected, while additional aid is being provided to her family in the Philippines.
While expressing respect for Kuwait’s laws, the DMW emphasized its mandate to uphold the dignity and rights of Filipinos abroad.
“Iginagalang natin ang batas ng Kuwait, ngunit malinaw ang mandato ng pamahalaan: ipagtanggol ang karapatan at dignidad ng bawat Pilipino saan man sila naroroon. Hindi namin kayo iiwanan. Gumagawa kami ng lahat ng hakbang—legal, diplomatiko, at makatao—para matiyak na makakamtan ng ating kababayan ang patas at makatarungang paglilitis,” the DMW stated.
The agency further underscored that the incident does not reflect the reputation of millions of OFWs around the world. “Mahalagang idiin na ito ay isang isolated na pangyayari at hindi sumasalamin sa pagkatao at kagandahang-asal ng milyun-milyong OFW na kinikilala sa buong mundo dahil sa kanilang malasakit, sipag, puso at propesyonalismo.”
Closing its statement, the DMW assured Filipinos worldwide that the government stands with them in both triumph and adversity.
“Tinitiyak ng DMW na sa oras ng tagumpay at sa oras ng pagsubok, kasama ninyo kami. Mananatili kaming kumikilos nang may malasakit, talino, at tapang—para sa katarungan at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino saanman sa mundo.”
