Mother of OFW saved from death row in UAE appeals for help

The mother of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was saved from death row in the Middle East has appealed to the government to help bring her home after she completed her prison sentence in the United Arab Emirates on Oct. 25.

Alicia Dalquez expressed hope that her daughter, Jennifer, would finally return to the Philippines and end the family’s four-year ordeal that began in 2014, when she was accused of killing her employer and later sentenced to death.

Alicia told the Inquirer on Monday that their family had been informed that Jennifer reached the end of her jail term on Thursday last week.

Acquitted of murder

In June 2017, Jennifer was acquitted of murder by the Court of Appeals in Al Ain for killing her employer, who attempted to rape her in December 2014. She accidentally stabbed him dead while defending herself.

Despite the acquittal, the 31-year-old domestic helper was convicted of robbery for allegedly stealing a cell phone and was sentenced to five years in prison.

Alicia said her daughter was eventually granted pardon, which shortened her jail term.

“She just needs a court clearance and a flight ticket. She deserves to return home. What else are they waiting for?” Alicia said.

Jennifer has two children, aged 10 and 7, in General Santos City.

Homecoming

“We just want to be together again. All of us are awaiting her return,” Alicia said, adding that her daughter’s aunts and uncles were already preparing a celebration for her homecoming.

“I hope the Department of Foreign Affairs can help us expedite the process for a court clearance,” she said.