Filipina guilty of murder executed in Saudi Arabia: DFA

January 31, 2019

A Filipina domestic helper found guilty of murder was executed in Saudi Arabia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday.

In a report, Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto said Saudi authorities carried out the sentence against the 39-year-old Filipina on Tuesday.

"The Department regrets that it was not able to save the life of the Filipina after the Saudi Supreme Judicial Council classified her case as one in which blood money does not apply under Shariah law," the DFA said in a statement.

Blood money is a compensation under Shariah law given to the family of murder victims. Should they accept, the family will execute an affidavit of forgiveness so the accused will not be executed.

The DFA did not furnish details of the Filipina as her family requested for privacy.

DFA said she was given a lawyer, sent representatives to visit her, and  updated her family in the Philippines about her case. DMS