Ian Ocampo Flora
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Action Center for OFW Concerns (Pacoc) here yesterday said that the repatriation of the remains Joselito Zapanta, a Kapampangan overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia recently is now unlikely as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier stated that Zapanta’s remains would not be repatriated because it was immediately buried after the execution.
Zapanta, a native of Bacolor town, had converted to Islam years ago.
The remains had been buried in accordance with Islamic burial practices and also in accordance with the Saudi government’s policy on those who are meted with the death penalty.
Pacoc head Eliza Muñoz said that the family is now given the option of hesitance to visit the burial site of Zapanta instead.
Munoz said that the provincial government of Pampanga has been assisting the family of Zapanta ever since he was given the death penalty. She added that the Capitol had already extended financial and livelihood assistance to the family.
Munoz added that the Capitol will keep a close eye on the condition of the children and extended any lawful assistance possible.
Zapanta’s relatives earlier appealed to President Aquino to talk to the Saudi Arabian king so that his body will be flown home.
Zapanta, 35, was convicted for killing Sudanese Imam Ibrahim, with robbery, on April 13, 2010 by the Riyadh Grand Court. He was sentenced to death by beheading after the family of the victim refused to execute an Affidavit of Forgiveness or Tanazul in exchange for blood money.
Through repeated appeals from Philippine officials, Saudi authorities have agreed to bring down to SR 4 million or P44 million the blood money from the initial SR 5 million or P55 million being demanded by Zapanta’s victim. However, not enough funds were raised to pay the diyah or blood money.
Blood money is a compensation under Shariah Law that is given to the family of murder victims. Should they accept it, the family will execute an affidavit of forgiveness so that death penalty will not be carried out on the accused.
The DFA said the Philippine government has undertaken and exhausted all diplomatic and legal efforts, and extended consular and legal assistance to preserve the life of Zapanta.