OFW Rep. Hails Conviction of Jullebee Ranara’s Killer, Calls for Reform for Filipino Workers Abroad
Manila, Philippines – The remains of Jullebee Ranara, a Filipino domestic helper who was found dead in Kuwait, have been flown back to the Philippines. Ranara’s tragic case has sparked outrage and calls for reform in the treatment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino has praised the conviction of Ranara’s killer by the Kuwait juvenile justice court. The perpetrator has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for murder and an additional one-year imprisonment for driving without a license.
In a statement released late Thursday night, Magsino said, “We laud the speedy resolution of the case and the decision of the juvenile justice court in Kuwait, which sentenced the perpetrator to 15 years of imprisonment for murder and a one-year imprisonment for driving without a license.”
Magsino emphasized the importance of not just pursuing justice for Ranara, but also addressing the systemic issues that OFWs face. “Though her family still has to contend with the deep loss of their loved one, it is our hope that the justice achieved through the court’s decision will somehow lessen the sting of the wounds they carry,” she said.
The representative called for fundamental transformations in the working and living conditions of Filipino migrant domestic workers in host countries. Magsino stressed the need for stronger bilateral agreements that include a standard contract, a system for rescuing workers in distress, and investigations into worker abuses and deaths.
Ranara’s murder shocked the Filipino community back home. According to Magsino, Ranara was raped, impregnated, run over, and her body was burned by the alleged son of her employer. Magsino described the incident as pitiful and brutal, emphasizing the lack of humanity exhibited by the perpetrator.
Ranara’s death certificate revealed the extent of her injuries, including a fractured skull, face, and lower jaw. The causes of death were identified as several traumatic injuries, brain degradation, and the discontinuation of high vital centers.
As Ranara’s remains are laid to rest, the fight for justice and protection for OFWs continues. Magsino’s call for reform resonates with advocates who seek to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino workers abroad.
