LETTER: Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza is now a freeman Written by Public | September 19, 2013 | 0 Google +1 45 1 0 To the Migrante Middle East through their representative John Monterona, who never faltered in giving their support since 2005 and the Migrante International headed by Garry Martinez, for driving my case to the government’s attention. Long live such tireless workers and cause oriented groups. My deepest gratitude to Dr. Abdul Hannan M. Tago for his kindest act of sending my mother’s appeal to the Saudi Royal Princes. When one’s foot is in the grave, he is left in despair, filled with fear and hopelessness. The knowledge that my life may be snuffed out in an instant has haunted me all throughout my incarceration in prison. I was in this dire situation for 13 years and the flame of hope was about to be extinguished, yet people from all walks of life encouraged me to continue in my journey and race to freedom and for that I am truly grateful.Humbled, let me express once again my sincerest and utmost gratitude to everyone. God has truly been good that I was never forgotten. He has brought people into my life and inspired me to keep going. To my Creator, all the glory is yours! I am now a changed man with a better and more positive outlook in life.I am forever grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques HRH King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and HRH Prince Al Waleed Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Kingdom Holding Company for granting my mother’s appeal for financial help and most especially to the family of the late Mohammad Saad Al-Qahtani for giving me a new lease on life. My sincerest gratitude for your forgiveness, for sparing my life, for hearing the plea of my loved ones and giving me the chance to be with them again. This I shall forever cherish.God has worked His wonders through Mr. Bobby Reyes for if it weren’t for him, my case would not have caught the attention of Mrs. Loida Nicolas Lewis. Mrs. Lewis has proven to be the final catalyst for my case to lift off to its realization. She, being a model of sincerity, a God-fearing woman and the epitome of a Filipina, a warrior for just causes. She was the moving hand towards my appeal to influential and common people alike to push my case forward. You have been like a second mother to me and I will forever be indebted to you and pray that your tribe increase. The mobilization for the campaign for my freedom would not have its fruition without the lieutenants who have spearheaded it. Many thanks to Liza Soriano, Bituin Aquino and Carissa Villacorta for drumming up the support I needed for the campaign and letting the people be aware of my plight through the Barya Mo, Buhay Ko website. I would like to make special mention of Susan Ople of Blas Ople Policy Center, Ellene Sana of Center for Migrant Advocacy, the late +Reggie Jose and Brgy Chairman Charlie Madrigal. You have all contributed to my cause by giving your time, giving your advice and acting with compassion creating a ripple effect which has led to my freedom. Thank you all so much. To the Migrante Middle East through their representative John Monterona, who never faltered in giving their support since 2005 and the Migrante International headed by Garry Martinez, for driving my case to the government’s attention. Long live such tireless workers and cause oriented groups. My deepest gratitude to Dr. Abdul Hannan M. Tago for his kindest act of sending my mother’s appeal to the Saudi Royal Princes. How can I forget former Ambassador Antonio Villamor who even after his retirement, pursued my case without hesitation and saw it through to the final negotiations. You have been the father who looked after me and made sure that my case was given it’s due attention, thank you so much, I will forever be grateful to you. My deep appreciation for the people who had no second thoughts in lending a hand to share their influence to other people through the likes of Mercedita Centeno De Jesus, Annie Malilay Paderes-Dela Cruz, Roselle Benito, Robin Magno, Atty. Don Quime, Atty. Berteni ‘Toto’ Causing, Tsuchida, Keren, Jody Umali, Menchie Iglesia, Justin Subong, Janice Azur, Neneth Lopez-Deocadez, Christian Joy Deocadez-Sevilleja, Elizabeth Mendoza-Alvarez, Maria Vicky Ono, Anne Hansen, Heidee Garcia, Jho Ledesma, Maria Elizabeth Embry and all the OFW Volunteers from across the globe who dedicated their time, abilities, sacrifices and hard work to campaign for my cause. Many thanks for all the help and support of the Metrobank Trust Company Malolos McArthur Hi-way branch manager Alfred Villafuerte. My family shall pray that God blesses you a thousandfold for the kindness you have shown me. I am so blessed and humbled because of those faceless men and women who have contributed financially for my cause including the Filipino Community Groups; my unsung heroes, the household workers who did not hesitate in shelling out their hard earned money to help me out; my inmates who, in the midst of their own struggles, managed to share even small amounts of money for my sake; and all the NGOs, institutions, groups, corporate companies and individuals who came to help my cause. Thank you to many who provided cellular phone load for me to be able to coordinate with our government offices, media and my family other supporters and also to those who provided financial help for the education of my stepchildren. Thank you to my brothers and sisters in Islamic faith and to all Catholic & Christian religious groups and sects who constantly offered prayers, vigils and masses for my sake. I would also like to mention Mayor Alfredo Lim who took time to listen to our plea and made sure that our letters reached the Office of the President. Thank you for coordinating with Malacanang on my behalf. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Senator Jinggoy Estrada who, in spite of our misunderstanding, remained patient with me and continued to extend his help to me not just once but many times. To the Broadcast Media & Journalists who have followed my case ever so faithfully, the influence you have brought about in bringing my case forward shall not be forgotten. Special thanks to those who closely monitored my case: Jasmin Romero, Jiggy Manicad, Joseph Lariosa, Kaye Imson, Raffy Beltran, Bev Llorente, Rodolfo Estimo, Ellen Fernando, Ding Cervantez, Tonette Orejas, Manny Calpito, Sixto Lagare. My hats off to GMA7, TV5, ABS-CBN2, online TV and radio networks, all the Philippine local newspapers and tabloids specially the Pilipino Star Ngayon and all international newspapers and official gazettes that kept my case afloat and in the public’s eye. This would not have been possible if not for the efforts of the Philippine Embassy-Riyadh officials and the Saudi Reconciliation Committee President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Othaimi and Vice-President Sheikh Ali bin Ali Al-Dossary, who all worked patiently for nine (9) years and intervened on my behalf to the aggrieved family and made it possible for them to forgive me of my wrongdoing. I am so blessed that HRH Prince Mohammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz bin Al-Saud, former Governor of Eastern Province took time to closely monitor my case. To the Saudi Ambassador to Philippines Sheikh Abdullah Al-Hassan, the Philippine Embassy-Riyadh team headed by Ambassador Ezzedin Tago, Second Secretary & Consul Rousell Reyes, Attaché Jerome Friaz and DFA Legal Officer Omar Pangarungan, thank you all so much for your help and for even taking time to come to Dammam and personally look into my case. I am also grateful to Usec Jesus Yabes and my thanks also goes to Director Rey Catapang and DFA Secretary Alberto Del Rosario for helping facilitate my release. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to former Ambassadors Roy Seneres and Grace Rebong, thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart. My brothers and sisters from the Tau Gamma Phi/Sigma Triskelion Grand Fraternity and Sorority namely Atty. Jay De Castro, late +Gov. Rafael Nantes of Quezon Province, Guy Lopez, Rob Ceralvo, Emerson Quinto, Ray Ramirez, Lorenzo Lapak, Rommel Dawal, Edwin Piangco, Mike Ravago, Maricar Santos, Jaja Orbeso, Boyett Bacar, Ornap Sanchez, Jude Llaneta, Dodong Encanto, Yvette Peynado, Theodore Mogol, Dennis San Felipe, Juan ‘Tata’ Manalus, Willie Sioce, Benjie Ortiz and the International Chapters and Councils Worldwide. Thank you for showing me that you are, indeed, the extension of my family. Thank you also to President Noynoy Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay, without your help, my freedom would not have been possible. To my parents, Edilberto & Letty, my brothers and my sister, my relatives, special thanks to my cousin, Benito Celestino and Jennie Villanueva and my grandmothers Jovita & Belen who in their old age managed to walk with me in my journey to freedom. How can I ever say thank you for your unceasing love, support and prayers. Second to God, you were my refuge all throughout this journey. The influence brought about by online social networking sites made my predicament known to countless countrymen from abroad and the Philippines, thank you for your support, encouraging words and prayers. It is with your fervent prayers that God has spared my life. I ask for your understanding and forgiveness if I have failed to mention anyone who in one way or another contributed to my cause. I owe my life to all of you. Thank you to those who made me strong when I was weak, those who backed me up when I was down, those who came to support my cause, those who prayed for my freedom, those who expressed their concern and sympathy and to everyone else who supported me in one way or another. I may not have thanked you personally please bear in mind that you have uplifted a hapless soul and made a big difference in my life. Thank you for your untiring support spiritually, financially and morally. I pray for those who despise me and I ask forgiveness from those people I’ve hurt. My apologies to those I have offended in the past, for my insensitive remarks and inappropriate actions. There were times that my frustrations have turned to anger and blinded my sight. I am not perfect but I am trying to be a better person. Thank you for not giving up on me. Many thanks for celebrating my freedom with me, but let us not forget that there is still a lot of work to be done. Many of our OFWs still need our help. I fervently hope and pray that this is not the end, instead, may this be a beginning and an opportunity to help other OFWs in distress. I commit myself to doing the same thing you did for me. May I be a continuing model of the Filipino sense of Bayanihan and Damayan. Being behind bars has opened my eyes to the value of freedom and life. My past has taught me that taking things for granted in the future is no longer an option for me. It has also enlightened me to the truth that I have a higher calling and that is, to make a difference and be of service to God and my fellowmen. I will forever be in the debt of such fine and noble people and the Filipino community. Thank you for helping me reach my dream to finally be with my family and be a contributor once again to the society. At last, my ordeal has come to an end. I have finished my race to freedom. I owe my life to God and to all of you. God bless us all at Mabuhay po tayong lahat! Very truly yours, Rodelio ‘Dondon’ Celestino Lanuza Now a FREEMAN Note: Manila Channel would like to thank Migrante leader John Leonard Monterona, being Lanuza’s designated spokesman, for allowing us to republish this letter. Congratulations Migrante and above all, to OFW Lanuza for keeping the faith! - See more at: manilachannel/ofw-news/letter-rodelio-dondon-lanuza-now-free-man/#sthash.ytBjNbvv.OzOPnhZY.dpuf
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 23:15:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015