Press Release No.186-03
24 April 2003
TWO
FILIPINOS ACQUITTED IN KUWAIT SLAYING FINALLY HOME
Through the concerted efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the
Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, two of the five Filipinos acquitted of the murder
of Canadian Luc Ethier by the Kuwaiti Court of Cassation were repatriated
yesterday, 22 April 2003.
OFWs Mary Jane Bitos and Teddy Tomaro arrived yesterday via Kuwaiti Airlines
Flight KU 411 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where they were met
by relatives for a connecting flight back to their home province in Davao.
In a letter addressed to Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Bayani Mangibin,
Bitos and company expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the assistance accorded
them by the Philippine Government.
"Mula po sa aming puso kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyong walang
sawang pagtulong sa mga kababayan nating Pilipino lalo na po sa tulad naming
nagkaroon ng kaso dito sa Kuwait (From the bottom of our hearts, we thank
you for your unwavering efforts in helping our Filipino compatriots, especially
ones like us who faced charges here in Kuwait)," the letter said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said that he was "heartened" to know
that Bitos and Tomaro were finally back in the country.
"It gladdens me to know that after months of waiting and grueling court
sessions, our two kababayans are finally back home with their families and
loved ones," Secretary Ople said.
The DFA is now busy arranging for the repatriation of the three other remaining
OFWs, namely Rosalia Baclig, Nora Talib Esick and Jimmy Binuya, who are also
acquitted of the offense but are still in Kuwait. The Philippine Embassy in
Kuwait has expressed confidence that the three will be back in the country
in a few days.