Philippine gov't confirms execution of Filipino worker in Kuwait

The Philippine government confirmed on Wednesday the execution of a Filipino woman worker convicted of murder in Kuwait.

Foreign Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, a spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs, said the worker, Jakatia Pawa, was executed by hanging.

Pawa, a mother of two teenagers, was sentenced to death in 2010 for allegedly killing her employer's 22-year-old daughter in 2007. Pawa denied the accusation.

"It is with sadness that we announced the execution of Pawa," Jose told a news conference, adding that it was the first time a Filipino was executed in Kuwait in recent years.

Pawa, 42, who hails from Zamboanga del Norte in the southern Philippines, has a degree in banking and finance. She started working in Kuwait in 2002.

"She was tried in court. We appealed. We can say that she was given trial. Unfortunate we were not able to prove her innocence. That's why she was convicted," Jose said, adding the Philippine government has been "unrelenting" in appealing to the victim's family to grant Pawa a tanazul or affidavit of forgiveness in exchange for blood money "but to no avail."

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Philippine government had exerted all efforts to save Pawa including all legal assistance necessary to ensure that her rights are respected and all legal procedures at all times.

Jose said Pawa will be buried in Kuwait as per Islamic rules for burial.

Pawa's older brother, Angaris, told a television interview in the Philippines that her convicted sister called the family Tuesday to say her last goodbyes.

Jose said there are about 88 Filipinos who are on death row worldwide.

source: Xinhua