MANILA — The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) expressed gratitude to the government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) for sparing overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jennifer Dalquez from the death row.
“Glory be to God for this good news. Our gratitude for the triumph of truth and justice as shown by government authorities of UAE. Life is saved,” said CBCP – ECMI Chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos.
The Bataan prelate added, “Let us continue to protect and promote life. And help and assist those who are still in prisons, that their rights are defended and mercy is served.
With this, the Catholic bishop is hoping that the government will learn from the case of the OFW, stressing that life is precious and should be respected.
“With this life saving sentence to Jennifer may our government officials learn the lessons that life should always be preserved, respected. And they will reject the death penalty bill,” Santos added.
On the other hand, a migrant workers group expressed delight over Dalquez’s acquittal.
“Migrante International is very happy to receive news that Jennifer Dalquez has been acquitted from the crime of murder and, thus, saved from death row,” the organization said in a statement.
“Once again, our collective prayers, active intervention and resounding clamor for justice have prevailed,” they added.
On Monday, the 30-year-old OFW was acquitted by the Court of Appeals in Al Ain of murdering her employer who attempted to rape her. The incident occurred on Dec. 7, 2014.
However, Dalquez was found guilty of stealing a mobile phone and was sentenced to five years imprisonment less the number of days she spent in jail. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)
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