The Philippines will not cease the travel of Filipino workers intending to work in Kuwait, Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople said on Sunday, after the "tragic" killing of domestic worker Jullebee Ranara.
The secretary was quoted as saying, based on a statement by the Philippines Embassy in Kuwait, that "there is no ban on deployment to Kuwait."
The statement was issued following an afternoon meeting between Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Philippines Charge d'Affaires Jose Cabrera.
During the talks, the Filipino diplomat "expressed appreciation for the cooperation and assistance of Kuwaiti authorities, particularly for the swift action and response in the apprehension of the suspect and in the clearances for the shipment of Ms. Ranara's remains."
It also quoted Sheikh Salem as saying that Kuwait's Foreign Ministry would "provide the Philippine Embassy all necessary assistance as it continues to monitor Ms. Ranara's case."
The Kuwaiti minister had said that the "actions of the perpetrator do not in any way reflect the character and values of Kuwaiti society, the Kuwaiti people, and the Kuwaiti government."
He condemned the "murder," saying that the perpetrator "will be punished for this heinous crime."
He also asked the Filipino diplomat to "convey his deepest condolences to the family and the Philippine government on the brutal and tragic death of Ms. Ranara."
In an earlier statement by Kuwait's Foreign Ministry, Sheikh Salem was quoted as describing the killing as a "regrettable and despicable crime," adding "justice will be served in this case with full credibility and transparency."
He also reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to protect and care for the safety and rights of all expatriate workers on its land, including the Filipino community, as per the provisions of its national laws and international norms.
The minister added he appreciates the role of the Filipino community across all sectors of the country, expressing his hope that "this individual act would not affect the friendship between the peoples of Kuwait and Philippines."