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."