MANILA – A Filipino national convicted for murder of a Saudi Arabian national, and later executed, had a “serious” physical altercation over a business dispute, which led to the unfortunate incident.
In a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Undersecretary for Migration Eduardo Jose de Vega clarified some details regarding the incident “after hearing from the OFW’s family.”
“After hearing from the OFW’s family, I realize that my previous comments to the media did not actually convey the complete picture of what occurred,” De Vega said.
“I now understand that the physical altercation between the OFW and the victim over a business dispute that led to this unfortunate incident was more serious than previously known. The OFW was threatened, attacked, and beaten in his own residence by the victim over monetary issues,” De Vega explained.
“This prior assault by the victim would later compel the OFW to act in what he believed to be self-defense, resulting in the death of the victim. What began as a professional disagreement escalated into a physical and later fatal confrontation that forever changed multiple lives,” the DFA official added.
In October, De Vega fielded questions from the media about the circumstances of the crime committed by the OFW that led to the conviction and the imposition of the death penalty by the Saudi court.
“While we cannot undo the heartbreaking outcome, we owe it to the OFW’s family to publicly acknowledge the full context of these events. May this clarification help provide some measure of peace to the family and to all those affected by this tragedy,” De Vega emphasized.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, De Vega said that he will no longer entertain further interviews or queries on the said matter at this time.
The Filipino national was executed in Saudi Arabia last October 5, 2024 for the murder of a Saudi national.
According to the DFA, the Philippine government extended legal assistance and exhausted all possible remedies regarding the case.
“The Philippine Government provided legal assistance and exhausted all possible remedies, including a presidential letter of appeal. But the victim’s family refused to accept blood money in return for forgiveness of the Filipino, and so the execution proceeded,” the DFA said.
In a separate message to media, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that the Filipino national was sentenced to qisas (retribution) for the killing of a Saudi national stemming from a financial dispute.
“The Philippine government provided legal representation and assistance throughout the proceedings. However, the victim's family has repeatedly declined opportunities to discuss blood money compensation,” the Embassy said.
In an effort to save the Filipino national's life, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. wrote a letter to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Embassy stated.
Despite the Philippine government's best efforts, the local court imposed the penalty in accordance with Saudi Arabia's judicial processes and applicable laws for the most serious crimes, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh added.
