“Barya Mo, Laya Ko”, for the Freedom of Joseph Urbiztondo

This is touching, Filipino organizations in Kuwait are trying their best to help free from prison a fellow Filipino who allegedly killed a Bangladeshi.

Joseph Urbiztondo was arrested on July 6, 1996 for the crime and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Urbiztondo, 41 yrs old and a native of Bacoor, Cavite has been in jail in Kuwait Central Jail for 16 years now. However, Urbiztondo claims that he was framed.

According to Kuwaiti law, Urbiztondo may apply for pardon from the Amir of Kuwait once he obtains the "tanazul" or the letter for forgiveness from the victim's family including paying the blood money of KD6,000 or around P918,000.

The Filipino Cultural Club is helping Urbiztondo raise the blood money and generated KD2,921.10 or P446,928.

The Club Ilonggo in Kuwait will hold a charity event on August 31 at the Asia-Asia Restaurant in Kuwait City.

Meanwhile, Guardians League Kuwait president, Bill Valenzuela appealed to Filipinos and colleagues to help in raising needed blood money for Urbiztondo.

“Ako po ay taus-pusong nagpapasalamat sa Filipino community sa Kuwait sa ginagawa nilang pagtulong sa paglaya ko. Matagal ko na po itong ipinagdarasal. Ngayon po matutupad na rin po ang minimithi kong kalayaan. Maraming, maraming, salamat po!” Urbiztondo said.

Once completed, the blood money will be turned over to the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. Then the embassy will be the one to coordinate with its Bangladeshi counterpart, who will contact the victim’s family.