Joanna Demafelis relatives reject ‘blood money’
Jojet Demafelis, eldest brother of Joanna, said the family would not accept any monetary proposal from Lebanese Nader Essam Assaf and Syrian wife Mona Hassoun, his sister’s employers and killers. The STAR/Jennifer Rendon, File
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — They want justice, not money.
Relatives of Joanna Demafelis, the overseas Filipino worker found dead inside a freezer in Kuwait, have rejected any possible offer of “blood money” from her killers.
Jojet Demafelis, eldest brother of Joanna, said the family would not accept any monetary proposal from Lebanese Nader Essam Assaf and Syrian wife Mona Hassoun, his sister’s employers and killers.
Jojet, his five siblings and their respective families are living in Metro Manila.
“We don’t need that. What we need is justice – especially for our parents,” Jojet said in Filipino.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III had called the Demafelis siblings to inform them about the death sentence imposed on their sister’s murderers by Kuwaiti authorities.
The Kuwaiti Criminal Court convicted the couple in absentia and sentenced them to death by hanging. They were reportedly arrested more than a month ago in Damascus in Syria.
A Lebanese citizen, Assaf was turned over to Beirut while his wife remains in Damascus.
“We felt a little relieved now that they’ve been convicted,” Jojet added. But he said they are awaiting the couple’s extradition to Kuwait.
Jojet added that they prayed fervently for justice for their sister during the Holy Week.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle washed the feet of Crisanto and Eva Demafelis, parents of Joanna, at the traditional Washing of the Feet rites at the Manila Cathedral on Maundy Thursday.
Meanwhile, Jojet is ready to represent the family if ever their presence would be needed in Kuwait in connection with their sister’s case. He said he has his travel documents ready.
Jojet also confirmed he was in Iloilo last March 28 to redeem the 3.9 hectares of farmland his parents had pawned.
As he had promised, Sen. Manny Pacquiao gave P385,000 to the Demafelises so they could save their property.
Jojet said the government also provided financial assistance to their parents.
The government had also asked that it be given two months to deliver on its promise to help repair the Demafelis house in Barangay Ferraris, Sara, Iloilo.
Youngest sister Joyce is expected to continue her studies in the coming school year.
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