16 cases of OFWs on death row ‘critical’

MANILA, Philippines—Of the 576 overseas Filipino workers facing the death penalty, 16 cases are considered “critical” by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Most of the 16 cases are in Asia and the Middle East, DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez told the INQUIRER on Monday.

Hernandez did not provide other details about the OFWs on death row.

But he explained “cases are considered critical when the trial court in the host country has sentenced the accused to death and the Supreme Court of the Court of Appeals has affirmed the decision, or the trial court’s decision is still under review or appeal before the Supreme Court of Court of Appeals.”

Hernandez assured “all of the subject OFWs are provided with competent legal representation; that they are accorded their rights during arrest and trial; that they get assistance during the filing of their appeal to the court’s decision; that they get regular jail visits by consular representatives from our embassies and consulates abroad; and the same posts make representation with authorities in requesting for commutation of the sentences.”

Earlier, the DFA reported that over 7,000 Filipinos were in jail in over 60 countries worldwide.

The foreign office said “high level representations for clemency on the jailed Filipinos’ behalf have been made by Philippine officials at various levels and on numerous occasions.”