Migrant group slams Aquino gov’t for OFW’s execution

MANILA, Philippines – A migrant group in the Middle East on Tuesday condemned President Benigno Aquino III and his administration following the execution of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia.

Migrante Middle East noted that the current administration failed to negotiate with the Saudi king to grant executed OFW, Joselito Zapanta a reprieve.

“We condemn the Aquino govt that failed to intervene in a timely manner by asking the Saudi King to grant Joselito a pardon or halt the execution while the PH govt must show its sincerity and determination to raise amount for his blood money, instead the Aquino govt relied on the OFWs and the public to contribute to raise the needed blood money,” Migrante Middle East said in a statement.

Zapanta, sentenced and executed for killing his Sudanese landlord, was demanded a P48-million blood money. However, the government and his family were not able to meet the compensation that led to his execution on Tuesday.

Due to this, Migrante Middle East was outraged and even called Aquino names such as “Bitay King” and “Executioner.”

Aquino earlier pledged a "substantial amount" to raise the blood money for Zapanta.

The group also expressed its condolences for the Zapanta family's loss.

“OFWs worldwide are in deep grief upon hearing the news confirming the execution of fellow OFW Joselito Zapanta. We extend our sympathies and condolences to the Zapanta family as we held the Aquino regime partly responsible as it neglected Joselito for lack of efforts in saving him from death,” Migrante Middle East said.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Charles Jose, Zapanta was executed by the Riyadh Grand Court around 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday.