Palace: Gov't didn't abandon case of executed OFW in Saudi

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Thursday insisted that the government did not abandon the case of the Filipino construction worker who was executed in Saudi Arabia three days ago.

Joselito Zapanta, who was convicted of robbery and murder of his Sudanese landlord in 2010, was executed in Saudi Arabia.

"The accusation that the government did not give Mr. Zapanta enough assistance has no basis and is not true," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview with Radyo ng Bayan.

OFW Party-list Rep. Roy Señeres Sr. earlier blamed President Benigno Aquino for not saving Zapanta from death in Saudi Arabia.

Coloma, however, clarified that the Philippine government exhausted all diplomatic and legal efforts to save Zapanta.

The Cabinet official added that the government also assisted Zapanta's mother and sister to visit him at the Malaz Central Prison in Saudia Arabia in November 2012, March 2013 and last November 28 to December 2.

The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to extend assistance to the Zapanta family.

"We appeal to our countrymen working or living abroad to follow the laws of every country where they work to avoid being involved in any crime," Coloma said. - Patricia Lourdes Viray