Kuwaiti foreign minister condemns OFW killing, to help resolve case

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30) — The Kuwaiti foreign minister denounced the killing of Filipino worker Jullebee Ranara and vowed to provide assistance in resolving the case.

In a statement released by the Philippine embassy in Kuwait, Charge d’ Affaires Jose A. Cabrera III said Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah called it a “heinous crime.”

The official added that the actions of the perpetrator do not reflect the character and values of Kuwaiti society, the Kuwaiti people, and the Kuwaiti government.

“Sheikh Salem asked Mr. Cabrera to convey his deepest condolences to the family and the Philippine government on the brutal and tragic death of Ms. Ranara,” the statement dated Jan. 29 read.

According to the statement, Al-Sabah and Cabrera met to discuss bilateral relations and “expressed a mutual commitment to closer dialogue and engagement between the two countries, especially in the coming months.”

Ranara was a household worker in Kuwait. Her charred remains were found in a desert on Jan 21. The 17-year-old son of Ranara’s employer was tagged as suspect.

Preventive measures

Earlier, Migrant Workers Secretary Maria Susana Ople brushed off calls to suspend the deployment of OFWs to Kuwait.

She said the government is considering more safeguards to keep Filipino workers safe in Kuwait.

RELATED:

DMW not considering Kuwait deployment ban after OFW slay, eyes ‘additional safeguards’ 

DMW eyes revising labor agreement with Kuwait following death of OFW

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/1/26/DMW-eyes-revising-labor-agreement-with-Kuwait.html

DMW has also prohibited the employer of Ranara from hiring other Filipinos.

READ: DMW imposes preventive suspension on employer of OFW killed in Kuwait 

Meanwhile, Sen. Raffy Tulfo has called for a gradual pullout of OFWs in Kuwait and redeploy them to countries with good working environment.

READ: Tulfo bats for total deployment ban in Kuwait 

On Monday, Tulfo said his call for a total deployment ban is a “leverage” for Kuwait to take action on the Ranara’s case.

In an exchange with the media, Tulfo said OFW deployment in Kuwait should be suspended pending talks on the case of Ranara.

He also called for the Kuwaiti government to issue a public apology.

To avoid maltreatment to OFWs, employers, including their families, should undergo a pre-screening evaluation, Tulfo said.

This includes going through a neuropsychology test to make sure they are mentally fit.

He added that OFW welfare should be monitored regularly to verify the claims of employers during pre-screening.