Convicted OFW executed in Saudi

MANILA, Philippines - An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) convicted for killing his Saudi employer was executed yesterday in Riyadh, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported yesterday.

Joven Esteva was convicted of murder in 2007 for killing his Saudi employer and injuring his employer’s son.

“It is with sadness that we confirm the execution of OFW Joven Esteva at 9 a.m. (Saudi time) in Riyadh,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.

Esteva, who left the country in April 2006 for Riyadh, was last employed as a family driver.

He said the Philippine government provided Esteva all the necessary and appropriate legal and consular assistance, including providing a lawyer, since his arrest in 2007.

“Regrettably, despite efforts of the Philippine government, the family of the victims refused to grant forgiveness,” he said.

The Philippines sought in June 2007 the assistance of the Saudi government to allow embassy officials to visit and speak with Esteva.

Officials of the Philippine embassy in Riyadh were sent to the Rawdah police station, which has jurisdiction over the case, to speak to police authorities after Esteva was taken into police custody on June 3, 2007.