80 Filipinos Overseas on Death Row – Binay
OFWs in Saudi undergo briefing before repatriation back to the Philippines. FILE PHOTO FROM DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MANILA – Eighty 80 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are on death row worldwide, said Vice President Jejomar Binay Tuesday, after expressing his condolences to the family of the Filipino driver beheaded in Saudi Arabia Monday.
Of the 80 OFWs facing the death penalty, 27 are in Saudi Arabia, he said in a news release.
A Filipina accused of smuggling heroin into Indonesia in 2010 has also been sentenced to die. Manila is seeking to have the impending execution by firing squad stopped by lodging an appeal to have her case reviewed by the judiciary there.
About 10 million Filipinos work overseas, attracted by the promise of salaries higher than they can earn at home. Their remittances are a vital support for the Philippines economy.
“Rest assured that all of them are being given full legal assistance by the Philippine government and efforts are being exerted within the laws of the respective host nations to save their lives,” the vice president said.
Joven Esteva, who hails from General Santos City, was beheaded Monday after the family of his victim, a Saudi national, refused to sign an affidavit of forgiveness needed to stay his execution.
“It is with sadness that we announce the execution of one of our kababayans working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for killing his employer in 2007,” Binay said.
“Even as we grieve and wait for the full report from the Philippine embassy, I ask that we pray for the family of the deceased,” he added.
With Agence France-Presse