OFW seeks release of blood money

Riyadh: Rodolfo C. Estimo Jr.

Rodelio Celestino “Dondon” Lanuza, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who has been spared for killing a Saudi national, has complained that the Saudi and Philippine governments have not deposited the blood money needed to secure his freedom.
The Kingdom promised earlier this year to pay SR 2.3 million. The Philippine government said it would contribute SR 148,267.40 to Lanuza. Lanuza’s family, friends and supporters raised the rest of the money. The total blood money needed is SR 3 million.
“The aggrieved family may withdraw the forgiveness they issued earlier unless the blood money is paid,” Lanuza told Arab News on Tuesday night. He was advised to refer the matter to the Philippine Embassy, which could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.
US-based Eduardo and Letty Lanuza, his parents, have also sent a letter to President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino lll. The letter has been posted on Facebook.
The letter said in part: “We would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the concerted efforts of our government officials for our son’s case. In connection with this, may we humbly request from your good office for the approval and release, as soon as possible, of the allotted SR 400,000 or $ 100,000 which was committed for OFWs on death row.”
The commitment of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah was announced by the Saudi Embassy in Manila earlier this month. The payment was for the family of the late Mohammad Al-Qahtani, the Saudi killed by Lanuza. The Filipino has always claimed that he acted in self-defense.
“Your Excellency,” they added, “our son’s eventual freedom rests on the fulfillment of the committed blood money. We place our last hope in you.”
The individuals and companies who promised contributions include: The Saudi government SR 2.3 million; MBTC Malolos SR 172,118.27; MBTC Riyadh, SR 134,613.89; MBTC New York, SR 71,691; MBTC Rockwell (Makati, Philippines) SR 73,207.44; Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, SR 100,000; and SR 148,267.40 from the Philippine government.