Jose Zapanta, a 35-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW), faced his death by execution by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Zapanta was found guilty of murder with robbery in 2010 as confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Zapanta’s death sentence by the Riyadh Grand Court happened last April 13, 2010. He was convicted for the murder of a Sudanese national in 2009 following the refusal of the victim’s family to execute an Affidavit of Forgiveness (Tanazul) in exchange for blood money.
Though Zapanta’s family wishes to see his remains, DFA Asst. Secretary and spokesperson Charles Jose said that it can no longer be repatriated.
"Well, unfortunately the body will not be repatriated back to the Philippines, because according to practice and law in Saudi Arabia, those who have been executed, will not be allowed to be repatriated," Jose told CNN Philippines.
Jose further noted that officials in Saudi Arabia had to immediately bury Zapanta’s body since he’s a Muslim convert.
Philippine Vice-President Jejomar Binay had offered his condolences and “deepest sympathies” to the family of Zapanta. In the past months, Binay served as the presidential adviser on OFWs’ affairs until June 2015.
In a report from Rappler, Binay said: "The Office of the Vice President worked closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and exhausted all diplomatic and legal efforts in order to save the life of Mr Zapanta, including a personal written appeal to the King of Saudi Arabia”.
"We likewise issued appeals for help in raising the blood money demanded by the family of his victim, in keeping with Saudi laws. Despite our best efforts, and the kindness and generosity of private individuals, the local government of Pampanga and non-governmental organizations, we were unable to raise the SAR 4 million demanded by the family," the Vice President added.
On the heels of Zapanta’s execution, Malacanang on Tuesday called the attention of Filipinos from around the globe to follow the laws of other countries.
“We call on all Filipino nationals to abide by the laws of their countries of work and residence,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma in a report from Inquirer. Coloma also said that despite of the government’s efforts, Zapanta’s execution could not be forestalled under the laws of Saudi Arabia”.
Zapanta’s reported time of execution was 2:20 p.m. (PHT). He is survived by his parents, sister and two children.
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