OFW convicted in Saudi ordered deported

Rodelio Celestino Lanuza. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza can finally come home after his deportation papers were signed, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Friday.

“Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago told me that the jail has confirmed that they have received on Thursday the advance copy of the deportation order,” Binay said in a statement Friday.

“The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh already informed Lanuza of the developments and will also be sending representatives to monitor the stamping of the final exit visa,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has purchased the tickets for Lanuza to be able to return home to the Philippines.

The flight schedule has yet to be determined pending the final issuance of his exit visa.

Lanuza was sentenced to death back in 2000 after being convicted for killing an Arab national.

The Philippine government paid 700,000 Saudi Riyals while Saudi King Abdullah contributed 2.3 million Saudi Riyals for the total 3 million Riyals blood money for the family of the victim

His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud signed the Deportation Order for Lanuza, Binay said.