The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the overseas Filipino worker who allegedly killed a Kuwaiti child may have been having personal or mental health problems.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait has received reports that the Filipino domestic worker was “depressed” when the incident happened.
The domestic worker allegedly placed the victim inside a washing machine ‘out of frustration’ because the child was ‘disturbing’ her, according to reports of Gulf News and Arab Times.
The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait earlier expressed regret over the tragic death of a young Kuwaiti child reportedly involving a Filipino domestic worker in the household.
“The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic incident of a Filipino domestic worker involved in the death of a Kuwaiti child in her employer’s household. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the Philippine Embassy said.
According to reports from the Arab Times, the incident occurred on Thursday when the domestic worker allegedly placed the child inside a washing machine at the family’s residence.
The parents reportedly rushed to help after hearing the child’s cries and brought the child to Jaber Hospital, where medical staff confirmed his death due to injuries.
“The Embassy is cooperating with Kuwaiti authorities investigating the incident and is also providing assistance to the detained Filipino domestic worker, within the framework of Kuwaiti law and in keeping with the Embassy’s mandate,” the statement added.
The embassy emphasized the isolated incident “does not represent the character of Filipinos in Kuwait,” a community widely regarded for its positive contributions, reliability, and hard work in the overseas country.
