The number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) facing death row has dropped significantly, bringing a glimmer of hope to countless families.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), only 25 OFWs remain on death row out of 116 convicted worldwide. This is a sharp decline from previous years when the number hovered between 50 to 60.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac revealed during a Senate finance committee hearing that the decrease came after Malaysia adopted a more flexible policy in commuting death sentences.
“Naging flexible sila in terms of commuting the sentences of our death row cases… So, it used to be in the neighborhood of 50 to 60, but now we’re down to 25,” Cacdac explained.
United Effort to Save Lives
Cacdac emphasized that the DMW continues to work hand-in-hand with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Office of the President to delay executions, secure commutations, or even achieve acquittals for convicted OFWs.
But challenges remain. With almost three million OFWs worldwide, Senator Win Gatchalian urged the government to boost legal manpower. The DMW currently has only 23 legal retainers and 10 in-house lawyers.
In response, Cacdac said the agency also partners with private law firms, assigning additional lawyers to handle sensitive OFW cases.
Beyond Legal Aid
The DMW stressed that its role does not end in the courtroom. It also extends psychological, moral, and financial support to the families of affected workers. At the same time, the department continues to strengthen pre-departure orientations and legal literacy programs to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“Every OFW is a part of our global Filipino family. We will continue to stand by them, fight for their rights, and seek justice and compassion wherever possible,” Cacdac said.
A Brighter Outlook
In November last year, 44 or more OFWs were reported to be on death row, with 41 cases in Malaysia, two in Brunei, and one in Saudi Arabia. Today, the number stands at 25—a decline that offers a measure of relief, but also a reminder of the work still ahead.
For thousands of OFWs and their loved ones, every reduction means another chance at life, another chance at homecoming, and another reason to hope.
