Binay off to Saudi to convey PH condolences on death of Crown Prince

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Vice President Jejomar C. Binay will leave Tuesday for Jeddah to personally convey the country’s condolences to King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz al-Saud on the passing of Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He will be President Benigno S. Aquino III’s representative.

Binay said Prince Nayef was instrumental in the anti-terrorism drive against al-Qaeda’s branch in the Kingdom.

“Through his successful anti-terrorism campaign, the people living in Saudi Arabia, including millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were kept safe and out of harm’s way,” the Vice President said in a statement issued on Monday.

“As Presidential Adviser on OFW concerns, I am grateful for Prince Nayef’s efforts to secure the welfare of our kababayans,” he added.

The Crown Prince died of an unspecified lingering illness on June 16 at a hospital in Switzerland. He was 78 years old.

Binay will leave Tuesday, 6:25 p.m. via Emirates flight EK 333 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1.