DFA: Pinoy driver investigated for deadly truck blast in Riyadh


(Updated 1:26 p.m.) A Filipino driver is being investigated for last week's deadly truck blast that killed at least 22 people, including a Filipino worker, in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.


Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Raul Hernandez identified the Filipino as Robin Kebeng, who is currently being held by Saudi authorities.

“We are waiting for the outcome of the investigation. We will provide legal assistance to the driver because he is a Filipino in need of help,” Hernandez said at a press briefing in Manila.
In an interview on dzBB radio, Hernandez said the investigation may "take some time." He did not elaborate.
 
A report on Saudi-based news site Arab News quoted Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago as saying that Kebeng "has been working in the Kingdom for one year."
 
He also said the Philippine Embassy was refused consular access to the detained driver. A previous report, which had not identified his nationality, stated that the driver was distracted by another accident on the highway before crashing. 
 
Tago added seven Filipino workers injured during the explosion were provided treatment in different city hospitals.
 
At least three were discharged over the weekend.
 
The Arab News said police arrested the truck driver, who is allegedly responsible for the gas truck explosion, though Tago said he is not aware of the charges leveled against the driver.
 
But he said that the embassy will hire a lawyer to defend the driver.
 
Meanwhile, he said the hospitalized OFWs were documented workers and are entitled to medical insurance paid for by their employers.

Saudi Arabia has the largest concentration of Philippine nationals in the Middle East region, hosting more than 1 million Filipinos, working in the skilled and unskilled sectors. – with Michaela del Callar/KG/HS/KBK, GMA News

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