DFA sees commutation of 37 OFWs in death row

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is optimistic that the death sentence on 27 Filipinos in at least six countries would be commuted.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr. told GMANews.TV that the 37 active death penalty cases are currently in different stages of judicial proceedings.

Conejos said most of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are jailed in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Brunei, China, Malaysia and the US.

At least two Filipino women are facing the death row in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, while several other women are languishing in jail in China over drug smuggling charges.

In a statement, the DFA reported that it has provided the doomed OFWs with legal assistance and has engaged in diplomatic means to seek the commutation of the death sentences.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said the death sentence on 26 other Filipinos have earlier been commuted. Of this number, 11 had returned home.

Romulo said they have been actively campaigning to abolish or at least secure a moratorium on the death penalty in countries with jailed Filipinos.

China has a two-year reprieve for foreign nationals with death sentences, Conejos said.

“If they behave well, their sentenced could even be commuted, " he added. - GMANews.TV

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