Binay: Execution of OFW deferred

MANILA, Philippines - The government of Saudi Arabia has stayed the execution of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Joselito Zapanta, according to Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Binay, presidential adviser on OFW concerns, yesterday said Zapanta was given four months to raise the reduced 4 million Saudi rial blood money being asked by the family of Sudanese national Saleh Imam Ibrahim, whom the worker killed in 2009.

Binay also said that Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda has spearheaded a fund-raising drive to raise the blood money for Zapanta, who is also from Pampanga.

“It is heartwarming that Governor Pineda is doing her best on how their province can help Zapanta raise the blood money,” Binay said.

The Vice President said that the family of Ibrahim reduced the amount of blood money from 5 to 4 million Saudi rial after meeting with Saudi officials in Riyadh.

“The very good news is that Mr. Zapanta, our fellow Filipino who is from Mexico, Pampanga, was given a deferment of his execution for four months,” he said.

Binay, however, said that the four-month deferment is “non-extendable and non-negotiable.”

He said the government will also continue helping the family raise the blood money and appealed to private individuals and the private sector to extend their assistance.

Binay expressed optimism that the blood money could be reduced further.         

“As we always say, miracles can happen. We will continue to appeal for Mr. Zapanta so that the blood money will be reduced further more because his family is also poor,” he said.

Binay said Philippine embassy officials led by Ambassador Ezzedin Tago has been monitoring the case since its initial stages and provided Zapanta legal assistance.

Zapanta was initially given only until Nov. 14 to pay the blood money, but Binay implored the King to stay his execution, saying the convict’s family was very poor and had no capacity to raise such amount before the deadline.