MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 10, 2012) – The Migrante-Middle East praised Saudi Arabia’s royal clemency on 7 Filipino workers jailed in prisons for various offenses in the Arab state.
The migrants’ rights group said the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Manila also issued a statement confirming the clemency granted to the Filipinos. It said the clemency confirms the importance of strengthening the friendship between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.
Migrante regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said they welcomed the clemency.
“As we continue to provide assistance to jailed overseas Filipino workers especially those victims of trumped up charges in Saudi Arabia and in other mid-east countries, we would like to convey our appreciation to the Saudi government and His highness King Abdullah in granting clemency to our fellow OFWs. We look forward for their immediate release and repatriation so that the seven OFWs reunite with their families who are long awaiting them to be home,” Monterona said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Monterona, however, noted that this time the number of OFWs granted clemency by Saudi Arabia is the smallest number compared to previous clemency granted by the Kingdom.
“This is so far the smallest number of OFWs granted clemency by the Saudi government. Last year there were more than 20 OFWs pardoned and more during previous years,” he said.
“We are hoping that more jailed OFWs who will be pardoned this year considering there are now around 600 to 800 male and female OFWs languishing in different Saudi jails for various offenses,” he added.
Monterona said there were 120 OFW inmates in Malaz jail in Riyadh and 40 of them claimed they have already served and completed their respective jail term, and completed their clearances and awaiting release and deportation.
Some 1.2 million Filipinos are believed to be working in Saudi Arabia.
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