OFW spared from death row comes home

MANILA, Philippines. After serving almost 10 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, Filipino seafarer Jonard Langamin was finally reunited with his family in the Philippines on Wednesday, May 25.

The overseas Filipino worker found guilty of killing fellow OFW and co-seafarer Robertson Mendoza in 2008 was spared by the Saudi government from death row.

The 32-year-old OFW arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday via Philippine Airlines Flight PR 683 from Damman where he was welcomed by parents Editha and Clemente, who are sweet corn vendors.

According to labor advocate Susan “Toots” Ople, Langamin and Mendoza were involved in an altercation after the latter prevented him from singing. Langamin was due to be executed by beheading in 2012 but Vice president and then-presidential adviser on OFW affairs Jejomar Binay assisted Langamin to secure a “tanazul” or an affidavit of forgiveness from the Mendozas.

In order to be released by the Dammam High Court, Langamin needed to raise P2 million in blood money as a form of compensation to be given to the victim’s family.

“The Langamin family [wants] to thank Mang Bert Mendoza (victim’s father) and his family in person, and once again, to seek forgiveness for the tragedy that took place 8 years ago,” Ople told reporters.

The Langamin family, who are currently residing in Caloocan City, is expected to visit the family of the victim in Taguig City on Thursday, May 26.

Watch the tearful reunion below

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