Photo credit: Niña Reyes

In a significant development in the case of the murder of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jullebee Ranara, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has officially announced that the Juvenile Court in Kuwait has rendered its verdict.

On September 14, 2023, the court convicted the perpetrator and handed down a 15-year imprisonment sentence for murder, along with an additional one-year imprisonment term for driving without a license.

This verdict comes as a result of a thorough legal process that took into account the accused's status as a minor, which contributed to the relatively lighter sentencing. The convicted individual has a 30-day window to appeal the judgment to the Court of First Instance.

The family of Ranara has been notified about the court's decision and expressed their gratitude for the unwavering support and assistance provided by the Philippine government throughout the duration of the case.

In response to the development, the Philippine Government has officially recognized and commended the efforts of Kuwaiti authorities in ensuring a swift and just resolution to this tragic case.

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait is in the process of compiling a comprehensive report with all the details surrounding the case. This report will be shared with relevant authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter.

The DFA, along with the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, continues to monitor the situation closely.