A June 13, 2011 press release by the Department of Foreign Affairs
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh reported that another Filipino who was earlier sentenced to death by stoning was saved from the death penalty in Saudi Arabia.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Embassy extended all possible and appropriate assistance to save the life of “Nena.”
Along with other Filipino irregular workers, Nena were apprehended together with their common-law partners in a raid conducted by the Saudi authorities on 01 October 2009.
Nena admitted before the court that she has a husband in the Philippines and she has an illicit relationship with her partner in Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, illicit relationships are strictly prohibited.
She was indicted for adultery and was sentenced to death by stoning on 27 October 2010.
The Embassy led by then Charge d’Affaires, a.i., and now Ambassador-designate, Ezzedin Tago filed an appeal in her behalf. The Appellate Court then referred the case back to the Riyadh Grand Court for the retrial of the case.
The Embassy’s Assistance to Nationals Section (ANS) consistently monitored and followed up with the court the case of Nena.
On 10 May 2011, the judge reconsidered his decision and sentenced Nena to three years imprisonment. Thereafter, she was granted royal clemency.
Nena is scheduled to be repatriated to Manila shortly.
“The assistance provided by the DFA and the Embassy to Filipino detainees is in fulfillment of the Aquino administration’s commitment in the protection of the rights and welfare of its nationals abroad,” said the DFA.
The Embassy also appeals to Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia to respect and obey the laws of the Kingdom to avoid inconvenience which might cause someone else’s life.
PDF