Wives of 3 OFWs on death row fear execution

By Jing Castañeda, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – The wives of three overseas Filipino workers (OFW) on death row in Saudi Arabia fear that their husbands might never make it home despite blood money having been paid to the victim's families.
They rushed to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay after receiving word that their husbands would be executed.
Their husbands were sentenced to death in 2007 for the killings of three other Filipino workers.
But the women say their husbands were framed.
“Sabi niya alam ng Diyos na wala siyang ginawang ganyan,” said Mila Arcilla.
“Tumawag siya, umiiyak, humihingi ng tulong, wala daw siyang alam sa pangyayari pero dinampot siya,” said Marlene Gonzales
In 2009, with the help of the DFA, P5 million was paid as blood money to the families of each of the three victims in exchange for a “tanazul,” or a letter of forgiveness.
   
But there's no word yet if the men will be sent home.
The DFA gave its assurance that they have not received any information that the three will be executed.
“After maayos ‘yung paghingi ng ‘tanazul,’ kailangang pag-usapan pa ito sa korte para ayusin naman ‘yung public aspect ng kaso,” said DFA Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez.
The DFA said there are 29 OFWs on death row in the Middle East.
Overseas workers group Migrante is dismayed by what it calls the slow action of the DFA
“Nagkaroon ng kakulangan sa pagbibigay ng atensyon,” said Migrante chairperson Gary Martinez.
   
The families of the three Filipinos called on government to heed their call before its too late. -- ANC

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