Did You Know? A Kuwait Teen Killed a Filipino Maid

An important step is the conviction of a Kuwaiti minor for the savage murder of Jullebee Ranara, a 34-year-old Filipino migrant worker. 

According to a statement made by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, 17-year-old Turki Ayed Al-Azmi received a 15-year prison term for his involvement in the crime. In addition, he will serve a year in jail for driving without a license.

The DFA noted that Al-Azmi still has thirty days to file an appeal in addition to the verdict’s leniency due to his advanced age.

Grieving Filipinos Yet Again

“The family of (Ranara) has been informed and is grateful for the assistance provided to them by the government,” the department stated. “The Philippine government acknowledges the efforts undertaken by the Kuwaiti authorities to effect a speedy resolution of the case in the pursuit of justice for our slain ‘kababayan’ (countrywoman),” it added.

Ranara vanished on January 22 and her burned body was found in a Kuwaiti desert by a roadside. Her postmortem report not only showed evidence of violence but also of rape, which horrified both Kuwait and the Philippines. Tragically, it was determined that she was pregnant up until the time of her death.

The case garnered attention for its tragic circumstances and the alleged cruelty Ranara faced from Al-Azmi. She had previously related how the teen had threatened her to her family, expressing her anxieties. Philippine relations with the Gulf nation have been strained as a result of this case and other high-profile events involving the mistreatment and fatalities of Filipino domestic employees in Kuwait.

Filipino Migrant Workers Need More Protection

As of 2022, there were over 100,000 Filipinos working in Kuwait, with a significant number employed in household services. President Marcos commended the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, the Department of Migrant Workers, and Kuwaiti authorities for their work on the Ranara case. He expressed hope for a fair appeal process and justice to be served.

President Marcos also acknowledged the legacies of Jullebee Ranara and Susan Ople, who passed away in August 2022. Ople was a prominent advocate for migrant workers’ rights. He underlined the value of defending and helping one’s compatriots, wherever they may be in the world.

An alarming issue is that Ranara’s employer has not paid Ranara’s family anything since her tragic passing. Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega stated that all aid received by the family came from the Philippine government. However, with the conviction, the family should be entitled to “compensatory damages.” The specific amount will be determined based on the final copy of the Kuwaiti court’s decision.

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In conclusion, the Jullebee Ranara murder trial verdict marks an important milestone in the victim’s and her family’s pursuit of justice. It also emphasizes the significance of diplomatic efforts and assistance for migratory workers, who frequently deal with difficult circumstances abroad. The incident serves as a reminder of the necessity to safeguard Filipino workers’ rights and safety on a global scale.