RP seeks return of convicts' remains

RP seeks return of convicts' remains

MANILA (AFP): The Philippines will Saudi Arabia to return the remains of three Filipinos executed in connection with a hostage- taking case, President Fidel Ramos said yesterday.

He also ordered the Foreign Department to investigate allegations made by a Filipino congressman that the three were innocent of the charges and were only attempting to prevent an assault on a Filipina maid.

The three men were beheaded on Sunday after being found guilty of murder and attempted kidnapping in a hostage-taking incident in Riyadh last October.

Ramos offered his condolences to their families, and said the government "will make representations with the Saudi government for the possible return of the remains and personal effects" of the executed Filipinos. Manila would also seek the remains and effects of a fourth who was killed during the hostage crisis.

But he conceded that "the prospect of the return of their bodies however is slim as in all cases of execution."