By Marita Moaje
MANILA – Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has assured full support for the family of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Kuwait who was meted out a death penalty over the demise of her employer’s child.
In an interview at the DMW head office in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Cacdac said the department wanted to make sure that their mother’s case will not compromise the welfare of the OFWs’ two minor children.
“I met them, they were here in my office, and of course, they really need the support. Sabi ko nga kanina, hindi dapat maapektuhan yung bata sa kung ano man kinasapitan ng ginawa ng OFWs abroad (As I said earlier, the child should not be affected by whatever happens to OFWs abroad),” he said.
“The children are the reason why OFWs go abroad, why they’re there. So we will continually provide support and assistance para hindi maapektuhan ang kinabukasan ng mga bata (so that the future of the children is not affected). Dalawang menor de edad (Two minors), very young, as I recall, less than 10 years old.”
Cacdac said the DMW will extend livelihood assistance to the OFWs’ family, as well as education assistance for the two young children, so they can attend school and complete their education.
In late December 2024, Kuwait’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested a Filipina domestic worker in Sabah Al-Salem after the death of her employer’s 18-month-old child.
The Filipino domestic helper reportedly placed the Kuwaiti child inside a washing machine at her employers’ residence.
The parents rushed to rescue their son upon hearing his screams and brought him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A report from the Gulf News said Kuwait’s criminal court on Wednesday last week sentenced the OFW to death.
He said while the DMW is pursuing all legal avenues to appeal the case of the OFW, protecting the families left behind is part of the department’s mandate.
Cacdac said the DMW has instructed its legal counsel in Kuwait to file an appeal, as they continue to monitor the OFW’s condition in jail.
He also expressed condolences to the Kuwaiti family over the child’s death involved in the case.
While acknowledging the gravity of the case, the DMW said the incident should be regarded as isolated and not reflective of the values of the more than 220,000 OFWs in Kuwait, with the majority employed as domestic helpers. (PNA)
