Mandaluyong city: Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has assured full support for the family of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Kuwait who was meted out a death penalty over the demise of her employer’s child. In an interview at the DMW head office in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Cacdac said the department wanted to make sure that their mother’s case will not compromise the welfare of the OFWs’ two minor children.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac stated, “I met them, they were here in my office, and of course, they really need the support. Sabi ko nga kanina, hindi dapat maapektuhan yung bata sa kung ano man kinasapitan ng ginawa ng OFWs abroad (As I said earlier, the child should not be affected by whatever happens to OFWs abroad).” He emphasized that the children are the reason why OFWs go abroad and assured that continuous support and assistance would be provided to ensure the future of the children is not affected. The two minors, both under the age of ten, are the focus of this assistance.

Cacdac revealed that the DMW will extend livelihood assistance to the OFWs’ family, as well as education assistance for the two young children, ensuring they can attend school and complete their education. This move comes after the arrest of a Filipina domestic worker in Sabah Al-Salem by Kuwait’s Criminal Investigation Department in late December 2024, following the death of her employer’s 18-month-old child.

The Filipino domestic helper reportedly placed the Kuwaiti child inside a washing machine at her employer’s residence. The parents, upon hearing their son’s screams, rushed to rescue him and brought him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Kuwait’s criminal court sentenced the OFW to death, as reported by the Gulf News.

Cacdac noted that the DMW is pursuing all legal avenues to appeal the OFW’s case, with legal counsel in Kuwait instructed to file an appeal. The department continues to monitor the OFW’s condition in jail while also expressing condolences to the Kuwaiti family over the child’s death involved in the case.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the DMW stressed that the incident should be seen as isolated and not representative of the values of the more than 220,000 OFWs in Kuwait, the majority of whom are employed as domestic helpers.