Photo credit: DFA

On October 5, a Filipino national was executed in Saudi Arabia for the murder of a Saudi national, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Tuesday. While details remain scarce, the DFA shared that the execution proceeded despite the Philippine government’s exhaustive efforts to save the individual’s life.

DFA Undersecretary for Migration Eduardo Jose de Vega shared that the DFA has yet to receive an official notification from Saudi authorities, but confirmed the unfortunate news: “There was an execution.” The Filipino’s identity is being withheld, respecting the wishes of the grieving family, De Vega added.

The Philippine government did everything it could, including appealing for clemency through a letter from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addressed to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Even blood money— a form of financial compensation to the victim’s family—was offered, but the victim’s family declined.

“We did all we could: appeal, presidential letter of appeal, trying to get the victim’s family to accept blood money… no go,” De Vega said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

According to Rommel Romato, Chargé d'affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Saudi government carried out the execution without prior notification to the Filipino’s family or the embassy. This, he said, was in accordance with local Saudi procedures.

The executed Filipino was sentenced to “qisas” or retribution—a penalty for murder under Islamic law. The case reportedly stemmed from a financial dispute between the Filipino and the Saudi national. Despite extensive support from the Philippine government, which included legal representation and other assistance throughout the legal proceedings, the victim’s family refused any compensation offers.

“Despite our best efforts, the local court imposed the penalty in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s judicial processes and applicable laws for the most serious crimes,” Romato said.

While the government mourns this loss, the DFA assured the public that it remains committed to providing assistance to other Filipinos facing similar situations abroad. The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh is currently working on resolving nine other death penalty cases in Saudi Arabia, in coordination with the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often heart-wrenching circumstances many overseas Filipino workers face abroad. The DFA and other government agencies continue to appeal for compassion and understanding from host countries, striving to ensure that the rights of every Filipino are upheld, no matter where they are.