Group formed to raise blood money for OFW

MANILA, Philippines - Businesswoman Loida Nicolas-Lewis and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Antonio Villamor have formed an ad hoc committee to help save overseas Filipino worker Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, who has been on death row in Dammam for the past 11 years.

The committee, comprised of community advocates and business leaders from the United States and the Philippines, pledged to contribute their time, resources and networks to save Lanuza by raising three million riyals or P34 million.

The committee said P6.6 million has been raised so far, but “time is of the essence because by this month, it would have been a year since Lanuza has been granted forgiveness in exchange for blood money and if no significant amount is raised and received by the family of the aggrieved, Dondon might lose his chance at life and freedom.”

Lewis, in asking for contributions, said “to save one life is of no less importance than to save thousands. To save Dondon is to show our concern for all our fellowmen, especially an (OFW) who goes abroad to help his family economically.”

Interested parties may visit www.helpdondon.com for details on how to send donations.