Pinoy spared from death penalty in Saudi to be freed in 3 months — VP Binay

The overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was recently spared from the death penalty in Saudi Arabia may be released in three months, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Monday.

 

Binay, who is also presidential adviser on OFW ocncerns, quoted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as saying that detained Filipino worker Jonard Langamin might be released in three months.

 

In 2008, Langamin stabbed to death an fellow Filipino worker Robertson Mendoza for supposedly preventing him from singing. Just recently, the victim's family signed the “tanazul” or affidavit of forgiveness, sparing Langamin from the death penalty.

 

“He (Langamin) has been given a new life, and we are thankful to the Lord for touching the heart of the victim’s father,” said Binay.

 

The vice president facilitated the reconciliation of the two families during a meeting at the Coconut Palace in Pasay City last week. 

 

Binay, quoting the tanazul, said Mendoza's family no longer demands the punishment of “qisas” (death by beheading) against Langamin. They likewise reportedly said that they won't object to his subsequent release from prison and deportation.

 

Enrico Endaya, executive director of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, has said that the tanazul will be immediately transmitted to the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

 

Binay said the embassy will then present it to the Damman Higher Court.

 

Under Saudi law, the private aspect of the case is more important than the public aspect — the private aspect involves the victim's next of kin granting forgiveness to the family of the accused.

 

In contrast, the public aspect deals with the state punishing the accused for the crime committed.

 

Should the next of kin grant forgiveness, the state will no longer pursue the public aspect. — RSJ, GMA News