The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Saturday that a Kuwaiti national, the primary suspect in the killing of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Dafnie Nacalaban, has confessed to the crime. Nacalaban’s remains were found in a decomposed state, buried in the backyard of the suspect’s home in late 2024.
The discovery followed a tip from the suspect’s sibling, who reported the crime to Kuwaiti authorities. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated at a news forum, “We have received reliable reports that the prime suspect admitted to the crime.”
However, specific details about the confession and the motive remain unclear. “We are awaiting the full police report to confirm the background and circumstances surrounding the case,” Cacdac added.
Authorities in Kuwait have detained the primary suspect along with his wife, father, and younger sibling, all of whom are believed to have played roles in concealing the crime.
Nacalaban, who had been working in Kuwait for five years, reportedly left her employer in October 2024. On December 31, her body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition. The suspect’s brother turned him over to authorities, leading to the grim discovery.
The DMW has assured the public that it is closely monitoring developments and is committed to securing justice for Nacalaban. “Our priority is ensuring accountability and justice for the victim,” Cacdac emphasized.
Nacalaban’s death adds to a string of violent incidents involving Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait.
Other high-profile cases include Jullebee Ranara, whose burned body was discovered in a desert, and Joanna Demafelis, who was found inside a freezer. These incidents have fueled concerns about the safety and protection of OFWs, particularly domestic workers in the Gulf region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been briefed on the case, and the Philippine government is reviewing whether to impose another deployment ban on Kuwait.
“The possibility of reimposing a deployment ban is being studied,” Cacdac said, noting the recurring risks Filipino workers face in the region.
Kuwait is home to around 215,000 OFWs, making it the third-largest destination for Filipino workers in the Gulf, following Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The tragedy has reignited calls for stronger protections for OFWs. Advocacy groups have urged the government to renegotiate bilateral agreements with host countries to ensure the safety and rights of Filipino workers, especially domestic helpers, who are often vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
“This is not just about seeking justice for Dafnie; it’s also about preventing similar tragedies in the future,” Cacdac said.
The Philippine government has vowed to pursue justice for Nacalaban and to ensure all OFWs’ welfare. With this latest case highlighting the ongoing risks Filipino workers face abroad, there is a renewed push for systemic reforms to better protect the nation’s modern-day heroes.