Our friend from Tokyo, Japan, Ms. Yuko Takei, sent in the latest developments on the "Save  Marilou Ranario Campaign." Ms Ranario is the Filipino domestic worker who has been meted the capital punishment in Kuwait.

Ms. Yuko forwarded to us the following communiqué from the Migrante International (migrante@smartbro.net):

QUOTE. Dear friends,

Warm greetings!  We’re writing to enjoin member organizations and our network to participate in a November 13th internationally-coordinated day of action for Marilou Ranario, the Filipino domestic worker on death row in Kuwait.

November 13th is the first day of oral arguments on Marilou’s case with the Kuwaiti Supreme Court (the Court of Cassation).  According to the DFA, a final verdict is expected by January or February next year.

We suggest that actions on that day be directed at Kuwait embassies or consulates in your areas since we need to make them aware of the strong and widespread support for Marilou.  The tone of activities will be to appeal to the Kuwait Amir and other government officials to spare her life at the minimum and at the maximum, release and repatriate her. 

In this light, we propose the following activities may be held on our November 13th day of action:

1. Delegation to local Kuwait embassy to submit letters of appeal or petitions for Marilou;

2. Release of organizational resolutions by our organizations and other Filipino groups na maari makausap to participate in this campaign;

3. Email or fax barrage to the Kuwait embassy or Kuwait Amir’s office (email and fax is on the sample letter to the Amir); and

4. Issue press releases and statements to media (na nag-appeal to the Kuwait government at sumisingil sa Arroyo government sa kanilang criminal neglect and culpability in this case)

We’re still finalizing the English petition but we will circulate it as soon as it’s finished.

As well, please find following a quick update about our Save Marilou Ranario Campaign to date:

1. Last October 10, 2007, we formally launched the "Save Marilou Ranario Movement" with a march, interfaith service and press conference at the Quezon Memorial Circle.  This activity was held on the World Day Against the Death Penalty.  In Hong Kong, UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK also led a picket at the RP consulate to raise Marilou’s issue as well as the case of Jocelyn Dulnuan and other victims of the Arroyo government’s criminal neglect. 

                           The SMRM Convenor members include the Diocese of Novaliches (Marilou’s parish in Quezon City);  Religious of the Good Shepherd-WJPIC; AMRSP mission partner Women and Gender Commission;  United Methodist Church;  National Council of Churches in the Philippines;  KASIMBAYAN;  GABRIELA; ACT; Center for Women’s Resources; United Council of Churches in the Philippines; and Migrante International.  The invitation of new conveners to the SMRM is ongoing.

2. In Surigao, Marilou’s home province, GABRIELA-Surigao has met with the family and formed a local Save Marilou Ranario Movement Committee.  They’ve also begun to project her case in local media and along with church people, they’ve also been able to mobilize lawyers, other advocates and former classmates of Marilou.

3. The Center for Women’s Resources produced a short video about Marilou’s case that we will try get onto youtube.com soonest.

4. The next activity of the SMRM at the national level is an inter-agency dialogue on November 7, 2007, about Marilou’s case, other death row cases as well as other urgent issues of migrants.  This will be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral.  Already, the Usec. Conejos of the Office for the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs has confirmed his presence.

Thank you in advance and we hope for your participation in the upcoming November 13th internationally-coordinated day of action for Marilou Ranario.

In the service of migrants and their families,

Maita Santiago

Secretary-General

Migrante International

#65 10th Avenue

Brgy. Socorro, Cubao

Quezon City, Philippines

Telefax:  (63-2) 911-4165

migrante@smartbro.net

UNQUOTE.