OFW executed in Kuwait for killing employer’s daughter

MANILA, Philippines – The call from Kuwait came early yesterday morning. It was household helper Jakatia Pawa, weeping and telling her elder brother in the Philippines to take care of her two teenage children.

Hours later, Pawa was hanged in Kuwait for stabbing to death 28 times the daughter of her employer in 2007.

“It was really painful because we did everything to save her,” Lt. Col. Angaris Pawa, a member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the maid’s elder brother, said in Zamboanga City as news about her execution was flashed on television.

Malacañang, Vice President Leni Robredo, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Senators Cynthia Villar and Joel Villanueva expressed sadness over the development.

The 41-year-old OFW from Zamboanga del Norte was executed at 10:19 a.m. (3:19 p.m. Manila time), according to DFA spokesman Charles Jose.

“We extend our sincere condolences and sympathies to the family of Ms. Pawa,” Jose said in a press briefing.

He said they were informed about Pawa’s scheduled execution only on Tuesday.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella claimed the Philippine government provided the OFW all the assistance necessary to ensure her legal rights were respected and legal procedures were followed.

Abella and Jose also said the government exerted all efforts to save her life, including diplomatic means and appeals for compassion. 

“Execution, however, could no longer be forestalled under Kuwaiti laws,” Abella said.

Abella said the DFA was closely coordinating with Pawa’s family to facilitate assistance. “We pray for her and her bereaved family,” he said.

Pawa was sentenced to death in Kuwait for stabbing her employer’s 22-year-old daughter while she was asleep on May 14, 2007. According to reports, Dalal Al Naqi died of 28 stab wounds.

Pawa had a degree in banking and finance from Zamboanga but opted to work as a maid overseas. She had been employed for five years by the family that filed charges against her for murder.

“We tried different ways. The embassy went to the Office of the Ameer to appeal,” Jose said.

“Up to the last minute, we were hoping that the family will accept the blood money, but the family did not agree,” he added.

Jose said Pawa was able to talk to her family on Tuesday.

He said Pawa was given due process but her lawyers failed to get an acquittal. “She was given a trial. She went through the legal process, but unfortunately, we were not able to prove her innocence, that’s why she was convicted,” he said.

Pawa’s brother said they would ask the Kuwaiti government to give his sister a decent burial in Muslim rites since they could not bring home the remains following Muslim tradition that their dead must be buried within 24 hours.

Jose said this could be expected to happen.

Robredo sent her condolences to the family of Pawa even as she called on the government to continue to work for the welfare of overseas Filipinos.

“We hope to connect with their family and help them through this trying time,” Robredo said in a statement.

“We enjoin everyone to continue working for the welfare of our overseas Filipinos, who sacrifice every day for their family and our country,” she said.

There are 88 Filipinos facing death sentence worldwide, Jose said. – With Alexis Romero, Mayen Jaymalin, Paolo Romero