DFA help sought for OFW jailed in Israel

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay requested the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Friday to assist an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who has been in jail in Israel since July.

Winnie Rose Ganaden was detained by Israeli police on July 19 after her employer’s family accused her of physically abusing her elderly ward.

Ganaden “denies the allegation… and her relatives claim she was falsely accused as she had signified her intention of leaving her employer,” said Binay, presidential adviser on OFW concerns.

He said that while Ganaden is still in jail, the judge granted the OFW’s petition for house arrest last July 28, “provided she could present to the court an Israeli national who would stand as guarantor.”

Ganaden was able to present two Israelis as guarantors, but she is still in jail since the social worker ordered by the court to assess her condition failed to show up during her last hearing due to prior commitments, Binay said.

He asked the DFA to continue monitoring the case to ensure Ganaden’s release at the soonest possible time.

Meanwhile, a Saudi Arabian official has signed a deportation order for Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, who has been in prison since 2000, when he was sentenced to death by beheading for killing a Saudi man.

Saudi Arabia’s highest court affirmed the death penalty on Lanuza in 2001, but was pardoned after the victim’s family was paid three million Saudi riyals.

Prince Saudi bin Naif bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the governor of the eastern province, has signed the order and prison officials have received an advance copy of the order, Ambassador Ezzedin Tago told Binay.

Binay added that the Philippine embassy has informed Lanuza of the developments and will send representatives to monitor the stamping of the final exit visa, after which Lanuza will be released and deported.