Saudi to deport jailed OFW – Binay

MANILA, Philippines - The Saudi government is now processing the deportation proceedings of jailed overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, Vice President Jejomar Binay said yesterday.

Binay said Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh Ezzedin Tago informed him that the Dammam High Court ordered the release of Lanuza last Monday.

“Upon approval by the director of the Dammam Reformatory Jail, Lanuza’s case file will be endorsed to the travel section for deportation procedures,” he said.

Binay said the Filipino worker’s fingerprints would be taken for clearance before the issuance of his exit visa.

The deportation process may take two to three weeks, according to the Vice President.

Binay said the Philippine embassy in Riyadh requested the Department of Foreign Affairs to purchase the plane ticket for Lanuza.

He was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia after being convicted of killing an Arab national in 2000.

   He said he killed the Arab in self-defense as the latter tried to rape him.

Saudi Arabia’s highest court affirmed his death penalty in 2001. He was pardoned after paying blood money to the victim’s family.

“Dondon’s impending release will not be possible without the efforts of the Philippine embassy in Riyadh under the leadership of Ambassador Tago,” Binay said.

He assured the family of Lanuza that the government would do everything to expedite his release from jail.