DMW assures 2 Pinoys detained in Brunei of untiring pleas for pardon

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac visits overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Edgar Puzon at the Maraburong Prison Facility in Brunei Darussalam on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. Puzon was convicted for the murder of a fellow OFW in 2005. His sentence has since been commuted to life imprisonment. Puzon told Cacdac he hopes to be granted early release as he turns 70 in January next year. The DMW facilitated the filing of an appeal for pardon and clemency in his case. (photo: DMW)

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has committed to continue pressing for pleas for pardon and clemency from His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei for the two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), one of them is facing death by hanging for killing a 61-year old Bruneian national.

In his visit to Brunei, DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac assured OFWs Edgar Puzon and Cyrile Tagapan of all the support system from the Philippine government, including hiring of a lawyer to file their pleas for pardon and clemency.

“I conveyed the message of the President to our two kababayans of his support and continuing prayers for them. Both expressed their deepest thanks to the President,” said Cacdac.

Puzon was convicted for the murder of a fellow OFW in 2005, while Tagapan has been serving his sentence since 2016 for the murder of a Bruneian national, and for arson and theft. 

Puzon’s sentence, however, was commuted to life imprisonment and Cacdac shared that Puzon hopes to be granted early release as he turns 70 in January next year. 

On the other hand, Tagapan is facing the death penalty for the killing of a Bruneian national and for cases of arson and theft. Tagapan, however, claimed self-defense, which was rejected by Brunei's High Court.

During the prison visit, Cacdac was joined by lawyer Czar Calabazaron, the only Filipino practicing lawyer in Brunei from Rudi Lee, Annie Kon & Associates. 

The Secretary was informed that their firm had already filed the pleas for clemency of Puzon and Tagapan with the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Privy Council of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac talks to overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Cyrile Tagapan at the Maraburong Prison Facility in Brunei Darussalam on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Tagapan has been in prison since 2016 for the murder of a Bruneian national and arson and theft. The DMW assisted in filing an appeal for pardon, and clemency on his behalf. (photo: DMW)

Cacdac also assured both Puzon and Tagapan of compassionate visits from their immediate family at the Maraburong Prison Facility 1 in Keriam, Tutong District, Brunei Darussalam where they are detained.

Cacdac, meanwhile, instructed the DMW’s Overseas Workers Welfare Officers and Migrant Workers’ Offices and OWWA Administrator Arnell A. Ignacio to continue supporting and assisting the two OFWs, including regular visits. 

“This is the time when they need us most, when we should be on and by their side,” said Cacdac.

Cacdac also expressed his gratitude to the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Acting Director of Brunei Prisons, the Prime Minister’s Office Deputy Permanent Secretary for Security and Welfare, and the Management of Maraburong Prison Facility for making his visit of the two OFW detainees possible despite short notice.