Jordanian offers blood money to save Pinoy death convict

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Mahmoud Asfour, a wealthy Jordanian who migrated here with his family, has offered to assist the family of death convict Primo Gasmin raise "blood money" in exchange for his (Gasmin) freedom.

Gasmin, a native of Pangasinan, was convicted for the killing of a Nepalese co-worker in Saudi Arabia in 1998. He is set for beheading in January next year unless blood money is raised to set aside his conviction.

The murder victim’s family has agreed to issue an affidavit of forgiveness and desistance in exchange for $15,000 or P780,000.

Asfour, a business tycoon of Jordanian origin who established his residence with his family in Barangay Casat here, said he is willing to raise the amount for Gasmin’s freedom. He also vowed to extend further legal assistance if the Filipino convict is found to be a victim of a mistrial.

Also instrumental in bailing out two Filipinos working in the Middle East from jail several years ago, Asfour expressed interest in meeting the family of Gasmin here to appraise him of his case.

"I want to know what happened to him, study his case so that I can help him. I want him to be removed from jail if he is innocent," the 57-year- old Asfour, whose wife hails from here, told The STAR.

His offer to help came after news reports came out that Gasmin’s family had appealed for help in raising the amount.

Asfour, who has been extending livelihood and scholarship assistance to indigents, is also responsible for the construction of several school buildings and day care centers.