MANILA, Philippines — A Kuwait juvenile court has convicted the killer of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Jullebee Ranara, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Thursday evening.
In a text message to INQUIRER.net, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said Turki Ayed Al-Azmi, 17, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for murder and 1 year for driving without license.
“The lesser penalties were due to the accused being a minor. He has 30 days to appeal the judgment to the Court of First Instance,” said de Vega.
Ranara, a 35-year-old household service worker in Kuwait, was murdered by the 17-year-old son of her employer early this year.
Her body was burned and found buried in the desert on January 21, 2023.
According to de Vega, Ranara’s family has been informed of the verdict.
“The Philippine government is similarly appreciative of the efforts undertaken by the Kuwaiti authorities to effect a speedy resolution of the case, in the pursuit of justice for our slain kababayan,” de Vega said.
De Vega added that they are also waiting for the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to send a final report containing complete details on the decision.
INQUIRER.net reached out to the Ranaras for comment as of posting time.