HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH SABAH AL-AHMAD AL-JABER AL-SABAH
The Amir of the State of Kuwait
Al Diwan Al Amiri,
Sief Palace - Building 100
State of Kuwait.
Telephone: +965 888881
Fax: +965 2430559
amirsoffice@da.gov.kw


September 26, 2007


Your Highness,

I am writing to appeal to you, on humanitarian grounds, to spare the life of
Filipino domestic worker Marilou Ranario, whose death sentence by hanging is
now under final appeal with Kuwait's Court of Cassation. I was informed that
a final decision is expected sometime early next year.

I empathize greatly with Marilou's plight because her story is one that is
largely shared by countless other migrants.

Marilou is a young mother, wife, sister and daughter who wanted little more
than a better life for her family. She is a teacher by profession but
poverty compelled her to leave behind her children and work in Kuwait as a
domestic worker. Her husband is a jeepney driver but until today, he does
not have a regular source of income. It is truly tragic that in her bid to
eke out a decent living for her children, she now faces the prospect of
perhaps never seeing them again.

In this regard, I hope very much that the extreme conditions Marilou may
have been subject to before the tragic death of her employer is considered.
According to statements by Marilou's family, Marilou reportedly told them
that she was being severly maltreated and that the night before her
employer's death, she feared greatly for her life.

In closing, I wish to thank your Highness in advance for considering my
letter of appeal and again, I hope very much that Marilou's life may indeed
be spared.

Your sincerely,

Yuko Takei
Spokesperson
THE PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S LEAGUE OF JAPAN
KALIPUNAN NG MGA FILIPINONG NAGKAKAISA
FILIPINA CIRCLE FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROGRESS
MIGRANTE-JAPAN