ShareThisContributions still needed for blood money
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (February 13, 2012) – An Ad Hoc Committee on Fundraising for Dondon Lanuza, led by Loida Nicolas Lewis and Ambassador Antonio Villamor, was formed on February 12, 2012 in Metro Manila.
Comprised of community advocates and business leaders from the United States and the Philippines, the concerned citizens pledged to contribute their time, resources and networks to save the life of a fellow Filipino who is on death row by beheading in Saudi Arabia. The “blood money” required in exchange for his life is 3 million riyals or approximately, 34 million pesos.
So far, 6.6 million pesos has been raised from contributions from the government, the public and private donors.
The Ad Hoc Committee on Fundraising for Dondon Lanuza Standing L-R: Cora Rivera, JJ Soriano, Tiffany Simeon, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Ambassador Antonio Villamor, Dr. Bambi Lorica, Quintin San Diego, Jr., Pastor Francisco Nicolas, Jr. Seated L-R: Zen Coronado, Dr. Lestrino Baquiran, Dr. Angie Cruz, Girlie Guillen, Linnette San Diego, Minette Soriano (not in photo: Liza Soriano and Marietta Primicias Goco)
Time is of the essence because by this month, it would have been a year since Lanuza has been granted forgiveness in exchange for blood money and if no significant amount is raised and received by the family of the aggrieved, Dondon might lose his chance at life and freedom.
The ad-hoc group pledged to help raise a significant amount to bring Lanuza home after 11 years in prison. They are counting on contributions to help raise the funds.
”To save one life is of no less importance than to save thousands. To save Dondon is to show our concern for all our fellowmen, especially an Overseas Filipino Worker who goes abroad to help his family economically.” Lewis said.
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Donations are accepted (visit www.HelpDondon.com) by check within or outside the Philippines.
In the Philippines, donations are accepted at any Metrobank branch:
Please make the check payable to the mother of Dondon Lanuza.
“”Letty Lanuza” (Metrobank Branch: Malolos Mc Arthur Hi-Way Branch)
Savings Bank Account No. 575-3-57501112-9;
For telegraphic transfer: Swift Code:MBTCPHMM)
Outside the Philippines:
US Dollars by check should be made payable to and mailed to:
“Loida Lewis FBO Dondon Lanuza” (P.O. BOX 1080 New York, NY 10028).
Money remittance or wire transfer donations can also be sent to the account: Loida N. Lewis FBO Dondon Lanuza (Metrobank Branch: New York,Account No.: 16048420; Swift Code: MBTCUS33; ABA Routing #: 026002846)
Donations received will be acknowledged and listed on www.helpdondon.com
For more information, please visit the website or contact Lewis’s assistant Liza Soriano at 09473293274.
Let’s all help give Dondon Lanuza his freedom and a second chance at life, especially this month of St. Valentine.