An overseas Filipino worker has been beheaded for a crime he committed in 2007, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The news has stunned the family of Joven Esteva, who did not know he was going to be executed on Monday.
“It is with sadness that we confirm the execution of OFW Joven Esteva at 9 am today (Saudi time) in Riyadh,” Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said.
Esteva was a driver for a semi-high profile family. In 2007 he was convicted of murdering his employer as well as injuring the family’s son.
“We have provided Mr Esteva all necessary and appropriate legal and consular assistance, including providing a lawyer, since his arrest in 2007. Regrettably, despite efforts of the Philippine government, the family of victim refused to grant forgiveness.”
Esteva is said to have arrived in Saudi Arabia sometime in 2006. He was hired to work as a driver for the family from the Philippines. His employer was a semi-high profile professor at a university of Riyadh.
In January 2007 Estava started experiencing health issues, including insomnia after not sleeping for month. His employer sent him to a clinic but he returned without any diagnosis.
In May 2007 Esteva killed his employer and nearly killed his son. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to death by beheading.