OFW Facing Death Penalty in Saudi Arabia

The Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who faces death penalty for killing a fellow Filipino in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is expected to be released within three months after the victim’s family signed the “tanazul,” or affidavit of forgiveness, in the presence of Vice President Jejomar Binay at the Coconut Palace Monday.

The affidavit of forgiveness is a gesture of peace and goodwill under Shari’a law that waives all private or civil rights against the accused.

The family of the killed OFW has granted its forgiveness to the family of the accused through the intercession of the Vice President.

Binay, the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, met with the victim Robertson Mendoza’s father, Bert; and Editha Langamin, mother of accused Jonard Langamin, at the Coconut Palace last Jan. 3.

During the meeting, the Vice President guaranteed Langamin that her son would be given full legal support by the Philippine government.

The Vice President also guaranteed Mendoza that his family would get all benefits and assistance his son Robertson was entitled to.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Langamin stabbed to death fellow crew member Mendoza because the victim was preventing the former from singing.

The case is now pending before the Damman Higher Court.

In Saudi Arabia law, the private aspect of the case is more important than the public aspect. The private aspect involves the next of kin of the victim granting its forgiveness to the family of the accused, while the public aspect deals with the state punishing the accused for the crime committed.

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