Filipino executed for murder in Saudi Arabia

Metro Manila, Philippines— A Filipino was executed for the murder of a Saudi citizen, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

In a text message to NewsWatch Plus, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said the government exhausted all legal options to save the Filipino from execution.

He added that the murder stemmed from "money issues."

“We did all we could—appeal, presidential letter of appeal, trying to get the victim’s family to accept blood money… no go,” said De Vega.

The DFA withheld more details at the request of the family, who preferred not to publicize the matter.

“Out of deference to their wishes, and out of respect to their privacy, we will withhold details on the case. We appeal to the media and the public to understand and heed the wishes of the family,” De Vega said.

In a separate interview, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said the government is assisting the surviving family.

“The family is requesting utmost privacy. Igalang na lang natin yung privacy nung pamilya [Let’s respect the family privacy]. We are assisting the family, including the school-aged children,” he said.

Cacdac said his agency is closely working with the DFA on the repatriation of the Filipino’s remains.

“We do provide assistance under the rules of our Aksyon Fund. We provide assistance to all the families of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) on death row,” said Cacdac.