MANILA, Philippines – The 3 Filipino diplomats who face warrants of arrest in Kuwait “are expected to be released in two to three days,” Malacañang announced on Thursday, May 10.

In a statement released Thursday evening, the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson said the Philippine delegation in Kuwait met with Kuwait’s deputy foreign minister, Al-Khaled Sulaiman Al-Jarallah.

The deputy foreign minister “assured the visiting Filipino officials that the release of the 3 Filipino diplomats is now being worked out with the interior ministry.”

“The diplomats are expected to be released in two to three days,” the statement said.

This comes after the Kuwaiti government freed 4 Filipino drivers previously arrested for helping the Philippine embassy rescue abused overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuwait.

In its statement Thursday, Malacañang said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque led Philippine officials in meeting with Hind Sabeeh Barack Al-Sabeeh, Kuwait’s minister of social affairs and labor, and minister of state for economic affairs.

Al-Sabeeh “discussed the formulation and possible amendment of a model employment contract for all domestic helpers from 91 countries who are currently working in Kuwait,” said Malacañang.

“Under the model contract, workers would enjoy the following: one day off, a 12-hour sleep or rest period, protection from physical abuse, and the right to a decent meal,” Malacañang added.

The Philippines’ is Kuwait’s 4th biggest source of domestic helpers.

Al-Sabeeh also said se “looks forward to the signing of the memorandum of agreement for OFW protection in Kuwait, which is expected to take place this Friday,” May 11. – Rappler.com