THE overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who is in death row in Saudi Arabia for killing a fellow Filipino there is expected to be released within three months.

This, after the victim’s family signed the “tanazul” or affidavit of forgiveness in the presence of Vice President Jejomar Binay at the Coconut Palace yesterday.  Said affidavit of forgiveness is a gesture of peace and goodwill under Shari’ah law, that waives all private or civil rights against the accused.

It was stated in the “tanazul” signed by the family of victim Robertson Mendoza, that they no longer demand punishment of “qisas” (death by beheading) against Jonard Langamin nor would they object to his subsequent release from prison and deportation.

“We were told by the DFA that Langamin could be released within three months. He has been given a new life, and we are thankful to the Lord for touching the heart of the victim’s father,” Binay said.                                                    

The “tanazul,” it was learned, will be immediately sent to the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia and the embassy, in turn, will present it to the Damman Higher Court.

The signing of the said affidavit was a result of a meeting between the families of Mendoza and Langamin, which was arranged by Binay himself.

Langamin reportedly stabbed Mendoza to death in 2008 because the victim was preventing the former from singing.