Mass, boodle fight await pardoned OFW Lanuza

In Barangay 398 in Sampaloc, Manila, a tarpaulin symbolizes the excitement felt by residents for the arrival of Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, the OFW who was saved from the death penalty in Saudi Arabia.

“Masaya kami dahil unang-una 'yung mga hirap namin nagbunga rin,” said Barangay Captain Charles Madrigal in an interview aired on GMA News TV's “Balitanghali” on Monday.

Despite not knowing the exact date of Lanuza's return, his friends and family in the Philippines have been preparing a Mass and a boodle fight for his much awaited homecoming.

“We're very happy, very excited. Hindi na kami nakakatulog. Restless na kami,” said Liv, Lanuza's fiancee, on the same “Balitanghali” report.

“We're really looking forward na makauwi na siya kasi we heard na days na lang 'yung bibilangin,” she added.

Liz met Lanuza through Facebook while she was volunteering to raise money for his release. Lanuza's return will signal the first time they will meet in person.

The "Balitanghali" report also said Lanuza's parents will come back from the United States to welcome him back.

Lanuza's friends and family have a reason to celebrate. Last week, Vice President Jejomar Binay, the presidential adviser on OFW concerns, said Lanuza's deportation order has already been signed and that his exit visa is already being processed.

Lanuza has been in jail in Saudi Arabia since 2000 when he was sentenced to death for killing an Arab national.

Saudi Arabia's highest court affirmed Lanuza’s death penalty in 2001 but pardoned him after the victim’s family was paid SR3 million in blood money.

Of the SR3 million, SR700,000 was paid by the Philippine government and supporters of Lanuza. Saudi King Abdullah shouldered the remaining SR2.3 million.

Once back in the country, Lanuza vows to help other beleaguered OFWs who are experiencing the same problems as he had. — Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News