Extension sought to save Pinoy on Saudi death row

MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda yesterday urged the government of Saudi Arabia to extend the stay of execution of an overseas Filipino worker as the deadline to save his life passed on Nov. 3.

Joselito Zapanta, a Kapampangan, is facing death for killing his Sudanese landlord over a rental dispute in 2009.

Pineda asked the Saudi government for another three-month extension to enable them to raise the P45-million blood money for his pardon.

She also appealed for financial help from the king of Saudi Arabia.

The governor asked the victim’s family to agree to a lower amount of blood money.