DFA: Saudi 'unlikely' to execute Pinoy couple for murder

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday it is “unlikely” that a Filipino couple in Saudi Arabia will be executed soon since the murder charge against them has yet to be finalized.

DFA spokesman Eduardo Malaya said the Filipino couple is currently detained in Saudi Arabia for allegedly killing their Filipina household worker two years ago.

“The DFA is confirming reports that the couple is supposedly scheduled for execution. It would like to stress, however, that an execution is unlikely at this time as Saudi authorities are still finalizing the murder charge to be filed against the couple, and the case will still undergo a judicial process,” Malaya said.

Before an execution can be carried out, a civil court has to find the accused guilty. For capital punishment cases, a guilty verdict needs to be affirmed by a higher court. “Finally, the case will have to be elevated to the Saudi King, for either a grant of pardon or an order of execution,” Malaya said.

Malaya said the Philippine embassy in Riyadh has also requested the Saudi authorities for custody of the couple’s three children for repatriation to Manila. He said the embassy is providing assistance to the couple to ensure that their rights as accused are respected.

Earlier, Migrante-Middle East said in an email that they received information that an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) couple was scheduled for beheading Friday.

The DFA withheld the names of the couple but Migrante earlier said they received information about the scheduled execution of Carlo Reno and Marlyn Reno accused of murdering their hired Filipina worker.

“If indeed the beheading will push through, it would be a sad moment for all Filipino migrant workers a day after the world commemorated the International Human Rights Day,” Migrante said. – Pia Lee-Brago