Ranario saved from death as Emir reduces sentence to life

(Update 1) Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday commuted the death sentence of Filipino overseas worker Marilou Ranario to life imprisonment following the personal appeal of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her four-hour visit to Kuwait, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said. Bunye, in an electronic-mail message, said the Emir also gave his word that he would further reduce the sentence once all the family members of the late Najat Mahmoud Faraj Mobarak agrees to forgive Ranario. He said the Emir initially informed Mrs Arroyo that he does not interfere with the judicial process in their country but since granting commutation is within his power he could prevent the death sentence. “Normally, I don’t interfere in the judicial process. We have a separate judicial system. But since you are here to personally appeal for her, I will not sign the decree of execution. That is within my power. I will reduce the penalty to life and when the other parties sign the forgiveness, I will further reduce the penalty," Bunye said quoting the Emir. Bunye said the President thanked the Emir for his compassion and decision before they concluded the meeting, which was followed by luncheon banquet hosted by the emir. The meeting between the two leaders, which took place from 12:30 p.m. to 12: 55 p.m. (5:30 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. in Manila) at the Bayan Palace, was also attended by Bunye, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo Endaya, Senator Edgardo Angara and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. Ranario reportedly stabbed to death her female Kuwaiti employer on Jan.10, 2005 for alleged maltreatment including humiliating and insulting her in the presence of friends. The Court of First Instance, Criminal Circuit, convicted Ranario of murder and sentenced her to death by hanging on Sept. 28, 2005. An appeal was made before the Court of Appeals but the sentenced was sustained in February, 2007. The case was elevated to the Court of Cassation or the Supreme Court of Kuwait, which also affirmed the death penalty last November 27. The Emir has two to three months to decide on whether or not to sign the death warrant of Ranario. Mrs Arroyo, who cut-short her private visit in Spain to travel for seven hours from Sevilla to Kuwait City for the 30 minute meeting with the Emir, arrived around 11 a.m. (4 p.m. in Manila) at the Kuwait International Airport where she was greeted by Filipinos working at the said country. She is expected to return to Manila around 5 a.m. on December 10. - GMANews.TV