THE government of Saudi Arabia has extended for the second time the deadline for the payment of blood money in the case of Joselito Zapanta in response to President Aquino’s request, Malacanang said on Thursday.
In a press statement, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Department of Foreign Affairs informed the Palace that the Saudi government has extended the deadline from March 12, 2013 to November 3, 2013, which coincides with the end of the current Islamic year.
“This extension allows the Zapanta family more time to raise the funds required by the victim’s heirs,” Lacierda said as he thanked King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi government for interceding on Zapanta’s behalf.
Lacierda assured that the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue providing Zapanta and his family with all the necessary assistance.
To date, the Philippine government and the Zapanta family have been able to raise 512,066.35 Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR) or P5.6 million, out of the SAR 4 million demanded by the victim’s heirs, which is equivalent to P44 million, Lacierda said.
At the same time, the Palace official also appealed to all kind-hearted individuals for assistance in raising the remaining amount needed by Zapanta to pay for the blood money.
Zapanta went to Saudi Arabia in 2007 to work as a tile-setter. In 2009 he admitted killing his Sudanese landlord and after a court trial he was sentenced to death. (PCOO)
