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Monday, December 10, 2007
Arroyo wins reprieve for Filipino maid
MANILA -- Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has commuted the death sentence of Marilou Ranario, an overseas Filipino worker, to life imprisonment following a personal appeal by President Arroyo during her four-hour visit to Kuwait yesterday, said Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye.
Bunye, in an e-mail message, said the Emir also gave his word that he would reduce further Ranario's sentence once all the family members of the late Najat Mahmoud Faraj Mobarak agree to forgive the Filipino worker.
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He said the Emir initially informed the President that he does not interfere with the judicial process in their country but since granting commutation is within his power, he can prevent imposition of the death sentence.
"Normally, I don't interfere with the judicial process. We have a separate judicial system. But since you are here to personally appeal for her, I will not sign the decree of execution. That is within my power. I will reduce the penalty to life imprisonment and when the other parties sign the forgiveness, I will further reduce the penalty," Bunye said, quoting the emir.
Bunye said President Arroyo thanked the emir for his compassion and decision before they concluded the meeting, which was followed by a luncheon banquet hosted by the emir.
The meeting between the two leaders, which took place from 12:30 to 12:55 p.m. at the Bayan Palace, was also attended by Bunye, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo Endaya, Senator Edgardo Angara, and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr.
Ranario reportedly stabbed to death her female Kuwaiti employer on January 10, 2005, for alleged maltreatment, including humiliating and insulting her in the presence of friends.
The court convicted Ranario of murder and sentenced her to death by hanging on September 28, 2005. An appeal was made before the Court of Appeals but the ruling was sustained in February 2007. (JMR/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (December 10, 2007 issue)
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