OFW in Saudi death row to be freed in 3 months

The Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who is facing the death penalty for killing a fellow Filipino in Saudi Arabia is expected to be released within three months after the victim’s family signed the tanazul or affidavit of forgiveness.

The affidavit of forgiveness is a gesture of peace and goodwill under Shari’a law that waives all private or civil rights against the accused, according to a press release from the Office of the Vice President.

The tanazul, which was signed by the family of victim Robertson Mendoza in the presence of Vice President Jejomar C Binay at the Coconut Palace last week, states that the family no longer demands punishment of “qisas” (death by beheading) against Jonard Langamin nor would they object to his subsequent release from prison and deportation.

“We were told by the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) that Langamin could be released within three months,” Binay said. “He has been given a new life, and we are thankful to the Lord for touching the heart of the victim’s father,” he added.

Reports from the DFA said that Langamin stabbed Mendoza to death in 2008 because the victim was preventing the former from singing.

Meanwhile, former ambassador Enrico Endaya, Executive Director of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) said that the “tanazul” will be immediately sent to the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

The embassy will then present it to the Damman Higher Court and they are expecting Langamin to be freed within three months.

The Vice President earlier facilitated the reconciliation of both families in a meeting with Mendoza’s father, Bert, and Langamin’s mother, Editha.

For more information, see PH to work for release of OFW on death row in KSA.

Image from Microsoft Office website.