[In the news] Fil-Ams raising P35M to free OFW on death row in Saudi Arabia- GMAnetwork.com

Fil-Ams raising P35M to free OFW on death row in Saudi Arabia LIAN BUAN, GMA News Filipinos in the United States continue to appeal for funds to help obtain the freedom of 37-year-old Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia, who was sentenced to death for killing a Saudi national. Photo…

Human Rights Online Philippines

December 23, 2011

2–3 minutes

Christmas, Department of Foreign Affairs, Lanuza, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Middle East, Overseas Filipino, Saudi Arabia, United States

Fil-Ams raising P35M to free OFW on death row in Saudi Arabia
LIAN BUAN, GMA News

Filipinos in the United States continue to appeal for funds to help obtain the freedom of 37-year-old Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia, who was sentenced to death for killing a Saudi national.

Photo of Dondon Lanuza in a poster the group made to appeal for help this Christmas.

US-based Filipino business leader, Atty. Loida Nicolas-Lewis, and a group of Filipino philanthropists lead the group supporting the Lanuza family’s objective of raising a P35-million (US$800,000) “blood money.”
Under Arab custom, a prisoner may be set free if the victim’s family agrees to accept blood money in exchange for foregoing the penalties imposed on the convicted person.

Lewis told GMA News Online on Tuesday that she has offered to match every donation that will come in, dollar per dollar, to raise the needed fund at the soonest possible time.

While there is no real deadline set by the KSA authorities to pay, they are worried that the aggrieved family may change their mind and withdraw the forgiveness if they cannot come up with a satisfactory amount. It will be one year on February 2012 since the family forgave Lanuza and required the blood money.

According to Lewis, Lanuza is grateful to know that people are helping him.

“Dondon is a Filipino, an OFW who just wanted to work and help his family. He does not deserve to die,” said Lewis.

As of now, only around $13,670 (P570,000), or 2% of the needed amount has been raised, Lewis said.

She said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)has informed her they would consider the Lanuza family’s request to shoulder a small part of the amount.

She added that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also pledged to extend a helping hand.

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