The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) revealed that approximately 60 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are currently on death row in various countries, with the highest number of cases recorded in Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed the figures in a statement on Thursday, noting that while Malaysia has the most cases, Saudi Arabia ranks second.

“We have around 60 [cases] all over the world. The majority are in Malaysia, and then second would be Saudi, but Saudi is not the majority,” Cacdac said.

The update comes as the DMW successfully facilitated the release and repatriation of a Mindanao-based OFW who had been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia on 10 September 2024 for alleged possession of illegal drugs.

The OFW was acquitted in January 2025 but faced delays before finally returning to the Philippines on 10 June. He was welcomed by DMW officials upon arrival.

“His lawyer there in Riyadh was good. Rest assured we will further strengthen our legal assistance programs because this is the clear direction from our President — to provide protection and assistance to OFWs, especially those facing legal cases, and especially those who are not really facing any wrongdoing, like in this case.”

The DMW chief also highlighted that the number of OFWs on death row in Malaysia is slowly decreasing, thanks to a major legal reform passed in 2023 that abolished the mandatory death penalty. Under the new law, judges are given discretion to impose life sentences based on mitigating circumstances.

“It needs to be applied for on a case-by-case basis,” Cacdac explained, adding that the DMW continues to coordinate with Malaysian authorities to seek commutations for eligible Filipino workers.