13 December 2014 - It is with deep sadness that we report the execution of Filipino national Mr. Carlito Lana in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Department of Foreign Affairs condoles with his family for their loss.

Mr. Carlito Lana, 37 years old, was convicted for murdering his employer in December 2010. He was sentenced to death after the family of the victim refused to execute an Affidavit of Forgiveness (tanazul) in exchange for blood money.

Mr. Lana is survived by his parents, and two siblings, a brother and a sister.

Under Shariah law, the next of kin would decide whether to advise the court to implement the death sentence (qisas) or that the family is willing to forgive and spare the life of the convict in consideration of accepting blood money.

Blood money is the amount of money paid or given to the victim’s heirs for the death or injury inflicted upon the victim. It is part of the customs and laws of the Arabs and Muslims.

The Philippine Government provided the late Mr. Lana all necessary and appropriate assistance and ensured that his legal rights were observed throughout the whole judicial process. Mr. Lana was given a fair trial and the Philippine Embassy engaged the services of the Al Quwaizani law office and legal consultants to represent him in Court to ensure that all his legal rights were respected and all legal procedures were being followed.

The Government also facilitated the two visits of Mr. Lana’s mother to the prison facility in Riyadh where he was incarcerated.

As a Muslim convert and in accordance with Muslim traditions, the remains of Mr. Lana were buried in Saudi Arabia.

We shall continue to extend assistance to the late OFW’s family.

Once again, we appeal to our nationals overseas to observe the local laws of their host countries, and to avoid involvement in criminal activities. END