News Release

July 1, 2008
For reference: Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson

3 OFWs on death row may face possible execution says Migrante

Migrante International today sounded the alarm over reports that three OFWs on Saudi
Arabia’s death row, Edison Gonzales, Rolando Gonzales and Eduardo Arcilla may face
possible execution if the Arroyo government remains tacit and negligent on the case.

“ Inutile, Inept, Uncaring, Criminal: these are just a few words to describe government’s
negligence of our kababayans abroad. It’s horrendous that despite proclamations by
Edison, Rolando and Eduardo that they were tortured into issuing false confessions – the
Arroyo government, once again, failed to conduct a genuine investigation into their
case,” says Migrante International Chairperson Connie Bragas-Regalado during a media
briefing this morning in Quezon City.

The three, all from Mexico, Pampanga were sentenced to death on July 23, 2007 after
they allegedly confessed to Saudi Police that they killed three other OFWs in Jeddah on
April 2006. However, testimonials by the three OFWs to Migrante state they were
“framed” and tortured. All three mentioned that they were not provided a lawyer. There
was no representation from the Philippine Embassy during the first hearing and
sentencing on May 14 and July 23, 2007 respectively.

Eduardo Arcilla recounts being blindfolded for up to seven days enduring heavy physical
beatings. Rolando Gonzales says he was electrocuted, while also blindfolded. Edison
Gonzales recalls being repeatedly hit until his feet, back and hands were completely
swollen.

“How shameful that GMA’s government has become Vice-Chair to the UN Human
Rights Commission when it plays deaf and dumb to the serious human rights violations
done to our kababayans. ” adds Bragas-Regalado. “We hold Arroyo personally
accountable for the fate of Edison, Rolando and Eduardo.

According to Migrante, five OFWs have already been executed under the Arroyo
government Antonio Alvesa, Sergio Aldana, Miguel Fernandez and Wilfredo Bautista
who was executed last 2005 in Taif and Reynaldo Cortez last June 13, 2007 in Saudi
Arabia.

As part of the effort to save the lives of these three OFWs and raise awareness about the
dire situation of all OFW on death row, Migrante announced it would step up its
campaign for death row victims and pressure the government to act immediately. ###
###

News Released
July 1, 2008
For reference: Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson

Sagipin ang buhay ng mga OFW sa Death Row!

Iyan ang panawagan ng Migrante International, isang pandaigdigang organisasayon ng

mga Overseas Filipino Workers nang malaman mula sa kapamilya na ang magkapatid na
si Edison at Rolando Gonzalez, kasama si Eduardo Arcilla ay maaaring bitayin na sa
susunod na linggo. Ginanap ang media briefing sa kanilang tanggapan sa Lungsod ng
Quezon. Angtatlo ay inakusahang pumatay sa isang kapwa Filipino din at sinitensyahang
mamatay sa loo ngmga susunod na lingo.

“Nangangamba kami na muli na namang mangyari ang katulad ng sinapit nila Antonio
Alvesa, Miguel Fernandez, Wilfredo Bautista at Sergio Aldana na napugutan ng ulo sa
Gitnang Silangan nuong 2005 at si Reynaldo Cortez nuong Hunyo 13, 2000,.” pahayag ni
Connie Bragas-Regalado, tagapangulo ng Migrante.” “ Walang ginawa ang gobiyerno sa
mga kaso at pag napilitang kumilos dahil sa kampanyang nilunsad ng mga organisasyon
ng migrante, halos huli na ang lahat.”

“Paparami na ang mga OFWs na ngayon ay nasasalang sa death row sa Middle East”,.ani
Regalado. “ Lumilinaw na wala pa ring nagagawang matino at komprehensibong action
plan ang gobyerno ukol sa mga kaso ng mga OFWs na nasa death row” dagdag pa ni
Regalado. “Batay sa aming natanggap na mga ulat mula sa mga OFWs doon, angtatlong
inakusahan ay mga biktima ng torture. Dahil sa matinding hirap, napilitang sila ay
umamin sa isang salang hindi nila ginawa,” ayon pa kay Regalado.

Ayon sa tatlo, sila ay binugbog habang may piring ang kanilang mga mata. Namaga
nghusto angkamay at paa ni Edison Gonzales habang si Rolando Gonzales ay kinoryente
pa.

“ Lalakasan ng aming hanay ang pangangalampag habang ang administrasyong Arroyo

ay patuloy na nagmimistulang bingi, pipi at bulag sa kaso ng mga OFWs na nasa death
row,” panghuli ni Regalado.

###