Filipino worker, Joselito Zapanta, granted four month reprieve from execution in Saudi Arabia, must raise $1 million in ‘blood money’
An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) on death row in Saudi Arabia was given four more months to produce more than P40 million ($1 million) worth of blood money, according to a Phil Star report.
Joselito Zapanta Image/ YouTube Video Screen Shot
Condemned Filipino construction worker, Joselito Zapanta, scheduled execution by beheading for Nov. 14 was extended 4 months after Saudi authorities approved the stay after formal appeals by President Benigno Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay.
In 2010, Zapanta was convicted of killing his Sudanese landlord over a rental disputethe year prior.
Saudi law allows a person to escape the death penalty if the victim’s family accepts payment of “blood money”.
The family of Zapanta has so far raised P4.39 million.
Vice President Jejomar Binay, who also oversees OFW said, “I appeal to all our countrymen, especially the private sector, let us help in whatever way we can. Miracles can happen. Maybe we will find a way or maybe they will lower the amount (demanded)”.
