BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
Nanay Josephine clearly remembers the pain and fear she felt when she received the news about her son, Ruben Kebeng, in 2012.
Ruben had only been working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for almost a year as an oil tanker driver.
Josephine Kebeng, Ruben’s Mother, stated, “At first, I accepted that he might not come back alive, and I was trying to move on. But knowing he is still alive, I am still grateful.”
On November 1, 2012, the tanker Ruben was driving exploded, resulting in the death of 23 people.
Ruben was imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for nearly two years due to the incident.
He was also required to pay blood money to some of the victims’ families.
Although Ruben was released after two years, he was not allowed to return to the Philippines until he could pay the required blood money.
“Since 2012, we had no communication for almost five months. Then I finally heard from him and learned that he had been released from prison. That gave me hope again,” Kebeng added.
Before the end of 2024, thanks to Raffy Tulfo in Action Center–Northern Luzon, led by George Mendoza Punasen, over 4 million pesos was raised to pay for Ruben’s release.
This amount came from donations by various groups, individuals, and organizations.
According to George Mendoza Punasen, Raffy Tulfo in Action – Northern Luzon, “This case has been ongoing since 2012. When RTIA opened in La Trinidad, they brought the problem to us. We worked with other government agencies and the local community to raise funds. We also managed to reduce the number of claimants. Now, we are just waiting for Ruben to open a bank account in Saudi so we can transfer the money and settle his case.”
The raised funds are currently held by Raffy Tulfo in Action Center – Northern Luzon.
With the help of the Department of Migrant Workers, Ruben is now working on opening a bank account in Saudi Arabia so the money can be transferred directly to him.
It is also essential to ensure that the money is paid to the victims’ families and not used for other purposes.
Before the money is deposited, authorities will also make sure that Ruben will be able to return to the Philippines after the blood money is paid.
“Our family is truly grateful. I have been praying for this every night. Thank you to everyone who helped process his papers, even in Saudi. Seeing the progress gives me relief and hope,” Kebeng expressed.
Ruben is just one of the hundreds of Filipinos helped by George Punasen’s team.
They promise to continue their efforts, especially for fellow Benguet residents who need help.
