Palace says Kuwait may free diplomats in '2 to 3 days'

Kuwait (File Photo)
Kuwait (File Photo)

THE three Filipino diplomats ordered arrested by Kuwaiti authorities may be freed in "two to three days," Malacañang said Thursday, May 10.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Al-Khaled Sulaiman Al-Jarallah assured during their meeting that the release of the three diplomats is "being worked out" with the Arab nation's Interior Ministry.

"The diplomats are expected to be released in two to three days," Roque said in a statement sent to Palace reporters on Thursday night.

Roque is part of a Philippine delegation that includes Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III that is now in Kuwait for talks on the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.

Kuwait had ordered the arrest of the diplomats, detained four Philippine embassy staff and expelled Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa after a video showing embassy officials rescuing distressed OFWs in Kuwait was circulated online.

Kuwait has viewed the rescue operation as a violation of its sovereignty and laws.

On Wednesday, May 9, Roque announced that the Kuwaiti officials agreed to release the Filipino drivers who were arrested last month.

Roque, meanwhile, said the Philippine delegation also met with Kuwait's Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Economic Development H.E. Hind Sabeeh Barrak Al-Sabeeh.

The meeting with Al-Sabeeh led to the possible amendment of a model employment contract for all domestic helpers from 91 countries, who are currently working in Kuwait, the Palace official said.

Currently, the Philippines is the fourth top source of domestic helpers employed in Kuwait.

"Under the model contract, workers would enjoy the following: one day off, a 12-hour sleep or rest period, protection from physical abuse, and the right to a decent meal," he said.

"Minister Al-Sabeeh also made mention of Kuwait’s desire to be known as a center for humanitarian concerns, adding that the mandate of the Emir of Kuwait is for all human beings in their country 'to have a happy life,'" Roque added. (SunStar Philippines)

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