An aerial view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ARCHIVE

Saudi Arabia has executed a Filipino worker convicted of murder, despite years of diplomatic efforts by the Philippine government to prevent the execution. In a press briefing on Tuesday (October 8), Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the execution, which took place after the victim’s family rejected compensation or blood money. The identity of the Filipino worker, the specifics of the crime, and the exact date of the execution have not been revealed, as the worker’s family requested privacy. Marcos expressed his deep regret over the situation, calling it a "terrible tragedy." He emphasized that the government had exhausted all diplomatic channels in an effort to prevent the execution. "It was a terrible tragedy. We tried everything for many, many years," Marcos told reporters. "Unfortunately, the victim's family refused to accept blood money in return for forgiveness, and the execution proceeded according to Saudi law." According to a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs, negotiations with Saudi Arabia had stretched over the past five to six years, involving various diplomatic and legal appeals. Despite these efforts, the Saudi legal system upheld the conviction, leading to the execution. Millions of Filipinos work overseas, with a significant portion employed in the Middle East, often facing harsh legal systems that impose severe penalties, including the death penalty. While the Philippines has advocated for the rights of its overseas workers, President Marcos acknowledged that the law in Saudi Arabia is strict and that the Filipino worker's conviction ultimately stood firm. The Philippine government has vowed to assist in repatriating the worker’s remains, providing closure for the grieving family back home. ICA/Expat Media
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