THE three Filipino diplomats ordered arrested by Kuwait authorities are expected to be released in two to three days, Malacañang said on Friday.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made this announcement after he and other Philippine officials met with Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Al-Khaled Sulaiman Al-Jarallah.
In a related development:
• Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has arrived in Kuwait to discuss the current bilateral relations between the two nations with his counterpart, and later witness the expected signing of an agreement to protect household service workers in the Gulf nation.
Upon arrival at the Kuwait International Airport on Thursday, Cayetano was joined by Kuwaiti Ambassador to Manila Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh and Philippine Consul General Noordin Lomondot.
Cayetano said he and Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah would sit down to assess the two nations’ accomplishment since the diplomatic row broke out, and discuss how much farther the two were willing to go in engagement.
A Philippine delegation, composed of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and other labor officials are also in Kuwait to discuss the spat and witness the possible signing of the memorandum of understanding Friday.
The Foreign Minister of Kuwait assured that the release of the three Filipino diplomats “are now being worked out with the Interior Ministry.”
“The diplomats are expected to be released in two to three days,” Roque said in a statement sent to media. PNA
The three Filipino diplomats were earlier charged with kidnapping for their involvement in the rescue operation of distressed Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait.
Meanwhile, Roque said the Philippine officials also met Minister of State for Economic Development Hind Sabeeh Barrak Al-Sabeeh.
Minister Al-Sabeeh discussed the formulation and possible amendment of a model employment contract for all domestic helpers from 91 countries, who are currently working 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.
The minister was keen as regards the signing of the MOA for OFW protection in Kuwait. PNA