Gov’t doing everything to help 80 OFWs on death row – Binay

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Tuesday, March 10, that there are 80 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on death row in various countries, and that the government is trying its best to help save them.

Of the 80 migrant workers facing execution, 27 are in Saudi Arabia.

“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,” said Binay, who is also the presidential adviser on OFW concerns.

He gave these numbers as he confirmed the execution of Joven Esteva, who was convincted of murdering his employer in Riyadh in 2007. 

Esteva, who hails from General Santos City in Mindanao, was beheaded Monday after the family of his victim, a Saudi national, refused to sign an affidavit of forgiveness or “tanazul,” Binay said.

Binay said Esteva was executed by qisas, is a punishment under Islamic laws that follows the principle of equal retaliation, or being punished with the same damage or crime committed against the victim.

“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,” Binay said in a statement. – Rappler.com