A Filipino national has been executed in Saudi Arabia for the murder of a Saudi citizen, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday. The case, involving a dispute over money, culminated in the death penalty, despite multiple appeals from the Philippine government.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed the execution, stating that the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh had reported the incident. “There was an execution. It was for murder of a Saudi national over money,” de Vega said.
The DFA revealed that it had exhausted all efforts to seek clemency for the accused. These efforts included a court appeal, a presidential letter of appeal, and attempts to negotiate with the victim’s family for the acceptance of blood money. However, the family insisted on the death penalty.
“We did all we could… In the end, our efforts were not successful as the victim’s family wanted the death penalty instead of accepting blood money,” de Vega explained.
Out of respect for the wishes of the executed Filipino’s family, the DFA has refrained from releasing further details about the case. “We appeal to the media and the public to understand and heed the wishes of the family,” de Vega added.
As of March 2023, 83 Filipinos are on death row across different countries for various offenses, including illegal drugs and theft.
