Binay mediates between kin of alleged killer, victim

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay facilitated yesterday the reconciliation of the families of a slain overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia and his alleged killer, another OFW.

In a meeting presided by Binay in his office at the Coconut Palace, the family of victim Robertson Mendoza agreed to forgive Jonard Langamin, who was represented by his mother, Editha.

The case against Langamin is still pending before the Dammam Higher Court.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier reported that Langamin allegedly stabbed dead Mendoza, a co-worker, when the victim tried to stop him from singing.

Binay noted that under Saudi Arabian laws, the private aspect of the case – which involves the granting of forgiveness from the next of kin of the victim to the families of the accused – is more important than the public aspect.

He said the public aspect of the case deals with the state punishing the accused for the crime committed. If the next of kin grants its forgiveness, the state will no longer pursue the public aspect.

Binay instructed former ambassador Enrico Endaya, executive director of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs of the DFA, who was also at the meeting, to expedite the transmittal of the necessary documents to the courts in Saudi Arabia to facilitate Langamin’s release.