Quezon City: An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who had been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia has been acquitted and safely repatriated to the Philippines following sustained legal and diplomatic efforts by the Philippine government.

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced during a Mega Job Fair in Quezon City that the OFW had been detained at the Riyadh General Jail since September 2023 over drug-related charges and was convicted in September 2024. The OFW was acquitted early this year and repatriated to the Philippines on June 10.

Cacdac expressed relief and happiness over the OFW's return, noting the effective legal representation provided by the government. He emphasized the importance of strengthening legal assistance programs and credited the release to strong coordination between the DMW, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The DMW reported that the OFW is currently under the care of OWWA at a hotel in Pasay City while preparing to return to his hometown in Butuan City. The government plans to provide financial assistance and livelihood support to help the OFW rebuild his life. Cacdac stated that the government is committed to offering protection and assistance to OFWs, particularly those unjustly facing legal challenges.

Cacdac also revealed that approximately 60 Filipinos are on death row worldwide, with most cases in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. He mentioned that Malaysia's recent law allowing the commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment is helping reduce the number of death row cases. The DMW remains actively involved in visiting detained OFWs and ensuring legal support for each case.