DMW: Still no OFW deployment to Kuwait

MANILA, Philippines — The deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait would not resume just yet, despite a Kuwaiti appellate court ruling affirming the conviction of the 17-year-old killer of Filipina domestic helper Julebee Ranara.

Hans Cacdac, Department of Migrant Workers officer-in-charge, said talks on lifting the suspension are still ongoing up to this time, as he noted that the “path to justice” is equally important.

“There is also a clear path to labor diplomacy. And the continuing talks show that we are very open to the Kuwait side. We have manifested our clear openness to further discuss and strengthen bilateral relations,” Cacdac said at a press conference Thursday.

In the Ranara case, he said the next step of the Philippine government is to file a civil action for damages against the parent of the convicted killer.

Both the department and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have given their commitment to assist the Ranara family in filing the civil suit.

The latest ruling “is a step toward the complete attainment of justice,” he added as he noted that the 15-year-sentence for murder is the maximum penalty that can be handed down to a juvenile.

Cacdac said the convicted killer might still appeal the ruling before the court of cassation, which focuses on the question of law.

Ranara was killed and her body burned in the desert.

Her murder prompted the Philippine government to suspend the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait.