OFW involved in death of Kuwaiti child ‘an isolated case’
The involvement of a Filipino domestic worker in the death of an employer’s child in Kuwait is an isolated case and does not reflect the values of Filipinos or overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who are widely recognized for their caring nature, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait said in separate statements over the weekend.
In a statement on Friday, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the tragic incident, and extended its condolences and prayers to the bereaved family.
It added that it was working with Kuwaiti authorities to investigate the matter.
“This isolated incident does not reflect the character of Filipinos and the Filipino community in Kuwait, who are recognized for their hard work, reliability, and positive contribution to society,” the embassy said.
Washing machine
According to reports, the Filipino domestic worker allegedly placed the Kuwaiti child inside a washing machine at her employers’ residence. The parents, alerted by the child’s screams, rushed to rescue him and brought him to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The DMW issued a separate statement on Saturday expressing “deep concern” over the incident.
The agency extended its condolences to the child’s family and the Kuwaiti government while assuring its full cooperation with the investigation.
The DMW said it was providing the necessary assistance to the detained worker in accordance with Kuwaiti laws and its mandate.
“We humbly provide the assurance that this tragic incident is isolated and does not represent the values of Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers who are known for their caring nature, professionalism, dedication, and hard work,” the DMW said.
The incident comes months after Kuwait lifted its visa ban on OFWs in June following an agreement to resume the recruitment of domestic workers.
The ban, imposed in May 2023, stemmed from the killing of OFW Jullebee Ranara, whose burned body was discovered buried in the desert on Jan. 21, 2023, after she was murdered by her employer’s son.
