Then Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople is seen here in this file photo on January 23, 2023, visiting the family of Jullebee Ranara, a domestic worker whose charred body was found two days earlier in the Kuwaiti desert after she was reportedly raped and killed. (Picture from Department of Migrant Workers)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed hope that justice will be served in the case of slain overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jullebee Ranara.
This view comes after a Kuwait court convicted Ranara’s killer, 17-year old Turki Ayed Al-Azmi, of fifteen years in prison and one year for driving without license.
Since the assailant is a minor, he can still appeal his conviction.
“I commend the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Kuwaiti Authorities for their continued pursuit of justice for our OFW, Jullebee Ranara,” said Marcos in a Twitter post.
“We hope that the appeal process will be conducted fairly, and justice will be served accordingly,” he added.
Marcos also remembered the late Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, who oversaw Ranara’s case and coordinated with the victim’s family before dying in August.
“I take comfort in thinking that Toots and Jullebee are looking down from heaven with smiles. Their legacy serves as a reminder of our duty to protect and support our fellow countrymen, regardless of where in the world they may be,” said the President.
Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said he had informed Ranara’s family of the news.
He said the family was elated but, at the same time, Ranara’s mother believes the sentence is light.
“Parang inisip nila parang kulang ‘no? Kasi iniisip nila, yung life imprisonment. Pero noong napaliwanag nga na, hindi naman absuwelto at saka may hustisya,” said De Vega.
(They thought it was lacking, because they were thinking of life imprisonment. But when it was already explained, that he was not absolved and that there is justice.)
“Kunwari tayo mismo, sa ating batas, exempted iyong mga menor de edad ‘no? From criminal liability as a general law,” he explained.
(For example with us, in our law, the minors are exempted, right?)
“So, naintindihan po rin nila ‘no? At saka ngayon, hinihintay lang nila iyong anuman ang moral damages,” he added.
(So they understood this, right? And now, they are just awaiting whatever the moral damages are.)
Ranara’s death was reported by DMW in January.
Her corpse was found burned and abandoned in a desert.
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