OFW executed in Saudi

MANILA, Philippines – Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Joselito Zapanta, convicted of robbery and murder of his Sudanese landlord, was executed yesterday in Saudi Arabia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs regrets to inform the public of the execution of Filipino national, Mr. Joselito Lidasan Zapanta, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 29 December 2015,” said DFA spokesman Charles Jose.

“We offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones for their loss,” he said.

Zapanta, 35, of Mexico, Pampanga, was beheaded after the Riyadh Grand Court convicted him on April 13, 2010 of murder and robbery that happened in June 2009. He started working as a tile-setter in Saudi Arabia in 2007.

He was sentenced to death after the family of the victim refused to execute an affidavit of forgiveness (tanazul) in exchange for blood money.

The DFA said the department had exhausted all options to help the Filipino worker and filed an appeal to save Zapanta from the death penalty.

Zapanta had killed his Sudanese landlord after an argument over his advance rent payment.

In the heat of the argument, he admitted killing the Sudanese by hitting the victim with a hammer.

The OFW also admitted to the police that he stole the Sudanese’s wallet and mobile phone, which he later gave to a Filipina.

The Filipina was also convicted and imprisoned as an accomplice in the robbery.

Through the efforts of the Philippine embassy, the Filipina was repatriated to Manila in January 2010 after serving her sentence.

“The government has undertaken and exhausted all diplomatic and legal efforts, and extended consular and legal assistance to preserve the life of Mr. Zapanta,” Jose added.

The government provided Zapanta all necessary assistance and ensured that his legal rights were observed throughout the whole judicial process.

According to Jose, the government arranged and funded the jail visits of Zapanta’s mother and sister to the Malaz Central Prison last Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. The relatives also visited the detainee in 2013 and 2012.

Zapanta is survived by his father, mother, sister and two children.

The DFA will continue to extend assistance to the Zapanta family. – With Helen Flores, Mayen Jaymalin, Aurea Calica