MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) on death row was executed in Saudi Arabia.
DFA Spokesperson Charles Jose said OFW Joselito Zapanta, 35, was executed by the Riyadh Grand Court around 2:20 p.m..
Zapanta was convicted for murder with robbery in April 2010. He was sentenced for killing his Sudanese landlord over a heated argument about rent.
Reports said the DFA was informed that Zapanta’s body was immediately buried and will not be brought back in the country. The family was also informed of his execution.
DFA expressed condolences to the family of the bereaved.
"We offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones for their loss," DFA said.
Zapanta was supposed to be salvaged by a P48-million blood money agreed by the Sudanese family. However, the government and Zapanta’s family raised only P23 million which is still P25 million short of the compensation demanded by the aggrieved Sudanese family. - with reports from Pia Lee-Brago