Filipina spared from death sentence in UAE returning home: DFA

November 1, 2018

A Filipino household worker spared from death row in United Arab Emirates after being found guilty of killing her employer is finally going home, the Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA) said on Thursday.

Jennifer Dalquez, sentenced to death in 2015 but acquitted in 2017 without payment of blood money, will be released from prison Thursday afternoon.

"The Department has been informed by Ambassador to Abu Dhabi Hjayceelyn Quintana that UAE authorities are coordinating with the Philippine Embassy for Jennifer’s flight home this evening," a DFA statement said.

A native of General Santos City, Dalquez was arrested on December 12, 2014, days after stabbing her employer whom she  claimed was trying to rape her at knife point.

She was sentenced to death by the Al Ain Court of First Instance on May 20, 2015, but was given a chance under Islamic law to have the decision reversed if the victim's sons will not swear in the name of Allah  she killed their father and instead opt for payment of blood money.

The sons did not attend the hearings,  prompting Dalquez's lawyer to push for acquittal. DMS