Press Release
January 25, 2017

Villar urges the DFA to exhaust all diplomatic means to save OFW Jakatia Pawa

Senator Cynthia Villar urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to exhaust all diplomatic initiatives to save 44-year old OFW, Jakatia Pawa, from being executed in Kuwait today.

"She has professed innocence since the day she was arrested in 2007 and has not changed her statement until now. The DNA found on the murder weapon did not match Jakatia's DNA, and there was no motive involved since Jakatia has been faithfully and peacefully serving her Kuwaiti employer for five years prior to her arrest. Let us pray that her life would be spared, because for all intents and purposes, she may be innocent of the crime and it would be unfair and tragic to see the execution carried out," Senator Villar said.

The senator, a staunch OFW advocate, also asked the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration to extend assistance to the Pawa family, including a plane ticket for the two children and Jakatia's brother to be able to visit the OFW.

"Jakatia was a former OWWA member up until she was arrested and put behind bars. On humanitarian grounds, OWWA can help the Pawa family during this difficult time," Villar said.

Villar, author of Senate Bill 146 seeking the creation of the Department of Migration and Development, said Jakatia's case further justifies the need to create a dedicated department that will look after the affairs of 12 million Filipinos overseas.

Jakatia Pawa is a native of Zamboanga Sibugay. She has two children, ages 18 and 16. She was arrested in May 14, 2007 and convicted in 2008 for the alleged murder of her Kuwait employer's daughter.

At 5 o'clock this morning, the OFW called up her brother, Lt. Col. Gary Pawa. She asked for forgiveness and requested her brother to look after her two children. When the brother inquired as to the reasons behind the request, she informed him that her execution has been set for today.

The brother, Lt. Col. Pawa, has issued an appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte for help in obtaining a stay of execution from the Kuwait government. Pawa is based in Zamboanga City.

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