OFW to be freed from Saudi's death row in 3 months

MANILA, Philippines - An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) will be freed from Saudi Arabia’s death row in three months after he was forgiven by the relatives of the co-worker he killed, Vice President Jejomar Binay said yesterday.

Binay, presidential adviser on OFWs’ concerns, said the family of Robertson Mendoza signed the “tanazul” or affidavit of forgiveness in his presence at the Office of the Vice President yesterday.

Mendoza’s relatives, by signing the affidavit, indicate they no longer demand the punishment of qisas (death by beheading) for Jonard Langamin nor would they object to his subsequent release from prison and deportation, Binay said.

Reports from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) state that Langamin stabbed Mendoza to death in 2008 because the victim was preventing him from singing.

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

Binay facilitated the reconciliation of both families in a meeting with Mendoza’s father and Langamin’s mother at his office last week.