UCA News
Contribute

Last minute appeal over Filipino death sentence

Migrant worker faces execution in Saudi Arabia
Last minute appeal over Filipino death sentence
Members of Migrante march to appeal against the death sentence of Joselito Zapanta (photo by Rene Sandajan)
Published: November 13, 2012 09:52 AM GMT
Updated: November 13, 2012 09:52 AM GMT

A migrant organization led a march in Manila today to appeal against a death sentence imposed on a Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia. The group Migrante said the government’s last-ditch effort to save the life of migrant worker Joselito Zapanta is "happening late in the game." Zapanta was found guilty of the murder of a Sudanese national in 2010 in Saudi Arabia and has until tomorrow to pay the necessary compensation to the victim’s family – $1.3 million – or face likely execution. Zapanta’s family has only been able to raise $121,000 so far to save him. His mother and sister are traveling to Saudi Arabia with a formal letter for the victim’s family requesting an extension, said Foreign Affairs Spokesman Raul Hernandez. Vice President Jejomar Binay recently also appealed for Zapanta's life as he announced the execution has already been scheduled, despite an appeal by President Benigno Aquino. Binay said Aquino wrote an appeal to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia last month but the fate of the offender rests on the decision of the victim's family. Connie Bragas-Regalado, chairperson of Migrante, said the lack of government assistance for migrant workers like Zapanta has turned into a trend in the Philippines. "We are now seeing a pattern of negligence and last-minute actions. Heads must roll, and it should not be those of our overseas workers," she said. Related reports Group urges help for maids in Saudi ArabiaNew migrants’ group inspired by Calungsod

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia