Migrant Group Slams 'Light' 14-Year Sentence for OFW Dafnie Nacalaban's Killer in Kuwait

Advocacy Group Deems Sentence Insufficient

A prominent migrant workers' advocacy group, the Samahan ng mga Domestic Helpers sa Gitnang Silangan (Sandigan), has strongly criticized the 14-year prison sentence imposed on the primary suspect in the killing of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Dafnie Nacalaban in Kuwait. In a statement released on October 22, 2025, Sandigan denounced the verdict, asserting that it reflects 'unfair justice' and 'not enough' punishment for OFWs who suffer abuse and murder in the Middle East.

Details of Dafnie Nacalaban's Tragic Case

Dafnie Nacalaban, a 35-year-old household service worker from Cagayan de Oro, had been employed in Kuwait since December 2019. She was reported missing in October 2024 by her second employer. Her decomposing remains were tragically discovered on December 31, 2024, buried in the garden of her employer's home in Saad Al-Abdullah, Jahra, Kuwait. Authorities located her body after a sibling of the suspect reported the incident. The main suspect, a Kuwaiti national with a known criminal record, later confessed to the crime.

Kuwaiti Court's Verdict and Repatriation

The Kuwaiti court sentenced the primary suspect to 14 years in prison. Additionally, three accomplices received one-year jail terms each for having personal knowledge of the crime but failing to report it. This development was confirmed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on October 15, 2025. Nacalaban's remains were repatriated to the Philippines on February 21, 2025, through the coordinated efforts of the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Family and Advocates Demand Harsher Penalties

Sandigan's statement highlighted that the verdict 'underscores the unequal justice' faced by OFWs and called out government agencies for a perceived lack of accountability. Michael Nacalaban-Linsahan, Dafnie's sister, expressed the family's profound disappointment, stating their desire for the perpetrator to face life imprisonment. Nacalaban's partner in Zamboanga del Sur reportedly believed the death penalty should have been imposed. The family also voiced criticism regarding the alleged failure of the government to directly inform them about the investigation's outcome and the court's decision.

Government's Response and Ongoing Concerns

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac acknowledged the Kuwaiti court's judgment, stating, 'The processes may still not be over in terms of the possibility of appeal, but we are already thankful to the Kuwaiti authorities for the judgment that delivers justice to Dafnie and her family.' He affirmed that the DMW has maintained close contact with the Nacalaban family, providing ongoing legal and welfare assistance. Cacdac also recognized that cases of abuse and deaths of OFWs remain a serious concern, which has historically led to deployment bans to Kuwait.