An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia has been acquitted and safely repatriated to the Philippines following sustained legal and diplomatic efforts by the government.
The OFW had been detained since September 2023 on drug-related charges and was convicted in September 2024 but was acquitted earlier this year.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac credited the release to effective legal representation and government coordination, with the OFW now under the care of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Pasay City.
The government plans to provide financial assistance and livelihood support to help the OFW rebuild his life.
Cacdac also revealed that around 60 Filipinos remain on death row worldwide, mostly in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, with efforts ongoing to assist detained OFWs.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 13, 2025
