The Kuwaiti Court of Appeals’ affirmation of the guilty verdict and sentence of the person convicted for the brutal murder of Jullebee Ranara is proof that perpetrators of violence against overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) won't go unpunished, according to Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo.
Guilty verdict of Ranara killer shows crimes vs OFWs won't go unpunished, solon says
Feb 23, 2024 01:59 AM
At a glance
Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (PPAB)
Perpetrators of violence against overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) won’t go unpunished.
Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo gave this statement on Thursday, Feb. 22, after the Kuwaiti Court of Appeals upheld the guilty verdict and sentence on the person convicted for the brutal murder of OFW Jullebee Ranara.
“This conviction sends a powerful message that perpetrators of violence against OFWs will be held accountable for their actions," said Salo.
This affirmation represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Ranara and her grieving family, he said.
In January 2023, the burnt body of the 35-year-old household worker, Ranara, was found in a desert in Kuwait.
She was killed by the 17-year-old son of her employer. She was also reportedly raped and impregnated.
"We commend the Kuwaiti Government for its unwavering dedication to justice and its strong stance against the violation of OFWs' rights,” Salo said.
“This decision is a testament to the collaborative efforts of both the Philippine and Kuwaiti authorities in ensuring that justice prevails for Jullebee Ranara," he added.
Salo, chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, noted that in light of the Kuwaiti Court's decision, it’s now time to lift the deployment ban in Kuwait.
"The conviction in Jullebee Ranara's case underscores Kuwait's commitment in serving justice and safeguarding the rights of our OFWs. We believe that lifting the deployment ban is warranted as a recognition of Kuwait's efforts to address concerns regarding the welfare and safety of OFWs," he underscored.
The veteran solon said with the closure of this tragic incident, he hopes this will lead to better employment opportunities and protection for OFWs aspiring to work in the Arab country.
Salo expressed gratitude to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Embassy Officials, including the Ambassador and Labor Attache in Kuwait, for their unwavering dedication in seeking justice and accountability for Ranara’s case.