Death row Filipino gets reprieve
Worker in Saudi Arabia spared four more months
- ucanews.com reporter, Manila
- Philippines
- November 14, 2012
An overseas Filipino worker who is facing execution in Saudi Arabia for killing a Sudanese national has received a four-month "reprieve,” Vice President Jejomar Binay said today.
The family of the victim has also agreed to lower the payment required to secure Joselito Zapanta’s freedom from US$1.3 million to $1 million, he added.
Zapanta’s family said yesterday it was only able to raise $121,000 so far.
He was found guilty of the murder of a Sudanese national in Saudi Arabia in 2010 and had been given until today to pay compensation to the victim’s family or face likely execution.
Binay, who as vice president is the government’s adviser on migrant workers, said he only heard of the “good news” on the reprieve today, adding that it was proof the government in Manila was making a considerable effort to save Zapanta.
The overseas workers’ group Migrante said the government should send a “high-level team of diplomats” to Saudi Arabia and look into other similar cases.
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The family of the victim has also agreed to lower the payment required to secure Joselito Zapanta’s freedom from US$1.3 million to $1 million, he added.
Zapanta’s family said yesterday it was only able to raise $121,000 so far.
He was found guilty of the murder of a Sudanese national in Saudi Arabia in 2010 and had been given until today to pay compensation to the victim’s family or face likely execution.
Binay, who as vice president is the government’s adviser on migrant workers, said he only heard of the “good news” on the reprieve today, adding that it was proof the government in Manila was making a considerable effort to save Zapanta.
The overseas workers’ group Migrante said the government should send a “high-level team of diplomats” to Saudi Arabia and look into other similar cases.
Related reports
Last minute appeal over Filipino death sentence
