Kuwait told: Show charge sheet vs. OFW killers, or deployment ban stays

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Sunday said he needs to see a charge sheet against the supposed killers of Filipina domestic worker Jeanelyn Villavende before he considers the lifting of the partial deployment ban of Overseas Filipino Workers to Kuwait.

In a Dobol B sa News TV interview, Bello said he will consider lifting the partial deployment ban to Kuwait if the perpetrators of Villavende's killing are formally charged.

"The reason why we decided to impose itong deployment ban is to send a message to the Kuwaiti authorities na we want justice to our Jeanelyn. Short of that, it may ripen to a total deployment ban. Kaya hinihintay namin na ma-charge," he said.

"Kapag [nakasuhan na] nila yung dalawang suspect, we will consider lifting. Pero kapag hindi ginawa yan, magiging total deployment ban na," he added.

Bello said an ambassador in Kuwait told him that the suspects have already been charged, but he demanded for proof.

"Sabi ko, I need proof na merong formal charge na. Sabi niya, official holiday ngayon sa Kuwait. So Monday he promised to give me a copy of the charge sheet," he said.

Once the charge sheet is presented, Bello said he will consult with the Department of Foreign Affairs if the deployment ban will finally be lifted. —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News