The Diocese of Balanga has released a pastoral statement on the slaying of Jullebee Ranara, an overseas Filipino worker in Kuwait.
Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos strongly condemned the killing of the 35 year old domestic worker by the son of her own employer and prayed for justice to be served.
“The recent slaying of Jullebee Ranara, the 35-year-old domestic worker whose body was found Sunday, Jan. 22 in Kuwait, is such tragic news. Another precious life was brutally and cruelly taken. It is inhuman and a crime,” Bishop Santos said in his statement.
“Jullebee Ranara would be at peace if justice is served. She is a human being with dignity, a mother who left her home to work overseas, thinking of the welfare of her four children, and dreaming of a better life for her family. However, her life ended abruptly at the hands of the 17 year old son of her employer. They should be held accountable for her death. Blood is in theirhands,” the Church leader said.
“We, at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant Worker (CBCP ECMI), strongly urge our government officials to exhaust all possible means to attain justice for Jullebee and all perpetrators of this crime are swiftly investigated. True justice can only be achieved not only by the quick arrest of the suspect but by prosecution to the full extent of the law,” the prelate stressed.
“The sanctity of life must be protected and respected at all times. Life is sacred because it is God’s gift and because man is created in God’s image. We demand our government officials to be more vigilant in protecting our OFWs, defending their rights and promoting their dignity. We pray and offer our Holy Masses and we also ask our Chaplains to do the same for the eternal rest of Jullebee Ranara, May she find comfort and peace with God. May our God strengthen her family and grant them the necessary graces and gifts for their good and secured life. We also pray for our OFWs, especially those in great difficulty and in dire need that in God's mercy and power, they will surpass all those hardships, be saved, and their employers to have a change of heart and treat them well,” said Bishop Santos.
Ranara, a 35-year-old domestic worker in Kuwait, was allegedly killed by the 17-year-old son of her employer. Her burnt body was found in a desert on January 21.
Authorities flew her remains back to the Philippines on Jan. 27, with the repatriation fees shouldered by her employer. Kuwaiti government officials vowed to Jullebee’s family and Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople that justice would be served. The family of Ranara has likewise stressed that they will not accept blood money from the family of her employer.