Former Death Row Convict in Kuwait Set to Return to PH

A Filipina who had languished in death row and detained for more than 10 years in Kuwait is set to return to the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait reported.

The Filipina’s case was all over the news in 2005, when she was arrested and sentenced to death by a Kuwaiti Court for the murder of her employer, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Following her arrest, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) crafted a legal strategy to ensure the protection of her rights throughout the legal process. Her death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2007, and eventually to 10 years imprisonment in 2009.

“We are very happy that she will go home and be reunited with her family. We wish she could start anew,” Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Villa said.

During a regular jail visit by Embassy officials, she personally thanked the Embassy for providing all-out support and assistance. She also conveyed her excitement over her homecoming.

The Embassy closely coordinated with the Deportation Department of Kuwait to expedite her repatriation to the Philippines.

The Embassy continues to regularly visit Filipino detainees at the Kuwait Central Prison and provide legal assistance to secure their pardon or commutation of sentence and eventual release from prison. (DFA)