PHL envoy: After 13 years in Saudi jail, OFW Dondon Lanuza may be free in 2-3 weeks

Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Rodelio "Dondon" Lanuza may finally taste freedom in two to three weeks' time after 13 years in jail, Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago said on Friday.

Tago said Lanuza, 37, will be freed after the family of a Saudi national he killed accepted blood money, and is now waiting for clearance for an exit visa.

“Rodelio 'Dondon' Lanuza has been fingerprinted and it will take two to three weeks before Public Security could give clearance for an exit visa,” Tago said in an interview with Arab News.

He also said Lanuza is in a thankful mood, expressing his appreciation to Saudi King Abdullah.

Lanuza noted Philippine Embassy officials were in the Eastern Province in the last two days coordinating with authorities for his release.

Arab News also cited a text message from Lanuza expressing his thanks to all those who supported him during his 13 years behind bars.

Citing the text message it received, Arab News said Lanuza "expressed his thanks to all those who tirelessly extended their support through the 13 years that he has been imprisoned."

He said he is also grateful to the Saudi Reconciliation Committee for "saving me from death row and securing my release.”

“We are also grateful to God. He made me the person that He wants me to be, for giving me a new lease of life, for sending me all the people I need to support me," he added.

Also, Lanuza thanked the jail management, which he said treated him fairly, as well as the family of the Saudi national he accidentally killed.

“I also thank the family of the person I accidentally killed. Words will never be enough to express how grateful I am. I will forever be indebted to all of you,” he said.

Lanuza thanked as well former Eastern Province Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Fahd, and the family of Lanuza's victim. - VVP, GMA News