7 OFWs sentenced in Maldives to be freed

MANILA, Philippines - President Mohamed Nasheed of Maldives has ordered the release of seven overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who pleaded guilty to credit card theft and fraud and sentenced to 25 years in prison in February 2009, an embassy report said yesterday.

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka said Nasheed’s order was a gesture of goodwill and a farewell gift to Philippine Ambassador Zenaida Tacorda-Rabago, who is retiring from the foreign service soon.

The OFWs were working in the hospitality industry in Maldives and detained at Maafushi Prison.

The DFA and the embassy sought their release through the recently approved “Clemency Law,” which empowers the president to grant pardon to prisoners.

Rabago, also non-resident ambassador to Maldives and Sri Lanka, made farewell calls on high officials of the Maldivian and Sri Lankan governments from May 22 to 25.

She also reiterated to Nasheed the country’s request for support for its bid to gain observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

The Maldivian president gladly obliged and informed her that he would personally write the OIC secretary-general of his country’s strong support.

In turn, Nasheed asked the ambassador to support an Asian summit on climate change.

He also expressed his desire to hire Filipino professionals from the fields of medicine, entertainment, and education.

During her farewell call on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Rabago appealed for the deportation of two Filipinos in prison for alleged violation of Sri Lankan immigration laws, stressing that protection of Filipino nationals is one of the pillars of the country’s foreign policy. Rajapaksa ordered his officials to work on their release.

The two Filipinos were convicted for their alleged participation as a front for illegal recruiters in Sri Lanka.

They have already served seven months in jail while awaiting formal charges from Sri Lankan government.

Sri Lanka also reiterated its request for the Philippine government to reopen its embassy in Colombo as it cited the Philippines as a role model in protecting and safeguarding the rights of Filipino migrant workers.