A Filipino driver convicted of killing his employer in Riyadh was executed on Monday after appeals to get forgiveness from the victim's family had failed, the Ministry of Interior said.

A ministry statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency said Joven Esteva was found guilty by the courts of stabbing to death his employer seven years ago.

In Manila, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the execution.

“It is with sadness that we confirm the execution of Joven Esteva at 9 a.m. today, Saudi time, (0600 GMT) in Riyadh,” department spokesman Charles Jose was quoted by Agence France Presse as saying.

“Regrettably, despite efforts of the Philippine government, (the) family of the victim refused to grant forgiveness,” was further quoted as saying.

Another Filipino worker, Carlito Lana, was executed in the Kingdom on December 12 for shooting a Saudi man and then running him over with a car.