VP Binay saddened by execution of OFW in Saudi Arabia

Vice President Jejomar Binay (Facebook photo)

MANILA – Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday expressed grief over the execution of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia for killing his employer in 2007.

”It is with sadness that we announce the execution of one of our kababayan working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Binay said in a press statement.

Joven Esteva, who hails from General Santos City, was beheaded Monday after the family of his victim, a Saudi national, refused to sign an affidavit of forgiveness needed to stay his execution.

”Even as we grieve and wait for the full report from the Philippine Embassy, I ask that we pray for the family of the deceased,” Binay, presidential adviser on OFW, said.

Currently, Binay said there are 80 cases of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) on death row worldwide.

”Of these, 27 are in Saudi Arabia.

Rest assured that all of them are being given full legal assistance by the Philippine government and efforts are being exerted within the laws of the respective host nations to save their lives,” Binay said.