Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 27) – Kuwait has vowed to deliver justice for Jullebee Ranara, a 35-year-old overseas Filipino worker whose burnt remains were discovered in a desert last week.
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“The incident is being investigated by the Kuwaiti competent authorities and we assure you that the law in Kuwait and the judiciary will give justice to the victim. Ms. Jullebee will receive justice and the suspect will be punished accordingly,” Kuwaiti Ambassador to the Philippines Musaed Saleh Althwaikh said Friday in a letter addressed to Ranara’s mother.
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The 17-year-old son of Ranara’s employer is the main suspect in the gruesome killing. He has since been detained by Kuwaiti authorities.
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“On my behalf and of my colleagues, in the Embassy of the State of Kuwait, Manila, I would like to convey our sincere and deepest condolences to your family. May the soul of Jullebee rest in peace,” Althwaikh added.
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Meanwhile, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued two directives to the agency upon learning of Ranara’s death.
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“Nung nadiskubre yung katawan ni Jullebee, nireport namin sa Office of the President [OP] so yes, aware ang ating pangulo…Yung instructions niya, first and foremost alagaan yung pamilya. At syempre, yung karapatan ng pamilya at nung biktima sa hustisya,”
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[Translation: When Jullebee’s body was discovered, we reported it to the Office of the President so yes, he is aware…His instructions were to take care of the bereaved family and to ensure they get justice.]
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The DMW added that it was unsure if Marcos would make an appearance when Ranara’s body arrives home Friday, Jan. 27.
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Ranara’s last days
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On the Friday before she was killed, Ranara had revealed to her family that she was afraid of her employer’s “cruel” son, the DMW said.
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“In this case, nakapag sabi si Jullebee ng fears niya [she was able to tell her fears] about the son… Sabi ni Jullebee na nahirapan siya kasi malupit yung anak na lalaki [Jullebee said she was having a hard time because the son was cruel],” Ople told reporters.
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Her family lost contact with Ranara on Saturday, Jan. 21 – the day her body was found in the dessert.
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