Saudi Man to Pay 100,000 Saudi Riyals to Free Jailed Pinay in Jeddah

A Saudi man has expressed his willingness to pay for the penalty of a Filipina prisoner in Jeddah amounting to 100,000 Riyals (P1.3 million) so she can be released.

Abdulaziz Khamees said he will shoulder the payment to free Junevie San Juan, who was jailed in October 2013.

Junevie, a native of Bicol, was supposed to work in the kingdom for the first time as a dental assistant. However, days after her arrival, authorities arrested her for smuggling drugs from Manila. She was sentenced with jail time of three years.

Junevie denies the allegations, insisting that she fell victim to a drug-smuggling syndicate.

Consul RJ Sumague of the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah announced earlier that Junevie could be released from jail as she has already served her sentence, but she had to settle the 100,000 Saudi Riyals penalty first.

Last December, the Tagalog-speaking Abdulaziz talked to the parents of Junevie during their arranged visit to Jeddah. The Saudi Arabian told them his intention to help the imprisoned Filipina, who he believes is innocent.

“Tutulungan ko siya dahil lumalabas na siya ay biktima,” Abdulaziz assured Junevie’s parents. “Walang problema po tutulugan ko kayo. Huwag kayo mag-alala.”

Sumague thanked Abdulaziz for his wholehearted assistance.

“Nagpapasalamat ako na may tutulong kay Junive at mas magiging masaya ang kanyang magulang sa tulong na ipaaabot ni Abdulaziz,” Sumague said.

(Source: FilipinoTimes.net)