LIFE STORIES

Elisa Salem

FLOR CONTEMPLACION

Sarah Balabagan

Flor Contemplacion was a Filipino domestic helper in Singapore. She was executed for allegedly murdering Delia Maga, also a domestic helper, and for the death of Nicholas Huang, the son of Delia’s employer, who drowned. Flor confessed that she murdered Delia because she refused to bring some items to Flor’s family in the Philippines. The drowning of Nicholas was also a result of the great anger of Flor towards Delia. The allegations were never proven to be true. ("A Death in the Family")

Some stories claim that Mr. Huang, Delia’s employer found the strangled body of Delia on the floor while his son, Nicholas, was found drowned in the bathtub. He and the police did not know of any possible suspects until officers found information about Flor in Delia’s diary. Flor was questioned by the Singaporean police and was said to have confessed that she murdered Delia and drowned Nicholas. ("Flor Contemplacion")

Other stories stated that Mr. Huang framed Flor for the double murder. Many Filipinos sympathized with Flor because they believed that if Flor did commit the murders, she was probably under the state of insanity. The Philippine government took up the case, but the plea was not able to change the decision of the Singaporean courts. Flor was hung on March 17, 1995. Many prayed and burned flags in front of the Malacañang Palace. Upon Flor’s death, her family received financial assistance from the government. Some reasons may be that they depended on Flor’s salaries. ("Flor Contemplacion")