ALKHOBAR, 22 August 2007 — Wilfredo Dizon, a Filipino salesman working at the Mall of Dhahran, has been told he cannot leave hospital unless he settles medical bills, which have bloated to over SR32,000 since being admitted for treatment for multiple stab wounds last month.

Dizon told Arab News how a knife-wielding teenager demanding his wallet attacked him at 6 a.m. on July 13. Dizon had left his apartment on 13th Street in Alkhobar to go downstairs to a corner shop to buy a pack of cigarettes.

Thinking he could fight the attacker off, the Filipino fought back. However, another teenager serving as lookout came to the rescue of the attacker and Dizon was stabbed multiple times.

Authorities, responding to the emergency call of fellow Filipino Arnold Funaguiobrought Dizon, who was unconscious, to the Al-Fakhry Hospital in Alkhobar. The suspects were arrested and are behind bars. “Dizon was bleeding profusely and bathing in his own blood,” Funaguio said.

“I thank the medical staff of Al-Fakhry Hospital for saving my life and I understand their claim to be paid. But where can I get the money?” Dizon said, adding that his company has closed for insolvency and allowed him to transfer to another sponsor.

“The accepting company will only formalize my transfer unless I pass the probationary period of three months,” Dizon said, adding that he has only worked for his current employer for barely a month and going back to his original sponsor for assistance would not be possible.

Meanwhile, the father of one of the attackers said he could only pay the medical bills on an installment basis of at least SR1,000 per month.

Labor Attaché David Des Dicang said that POLO (the Philippines Overseas Labor Office) is closely working with the authorities to compel the suspects to pay the damages they have caused Dizon.

George Palencia of the United Bicolanos and Lito Tomas of the Bulakeno Community were among the first servant leaders who visited Dizon at hospital. Palencia, who has been awarded the Philippines prestigious Bagong Bayani Award, was instrumental in highlighting Dizon’s plight among fellow Filipinos in the region.

Palencia and Tomas urged Filipinos to assist Dizon financially. Interested donors may contact Wilfredo Dizon directly on his cell phone 0509987435, or visit him at room 502 (third floor) at Al-Fakhry Hospital. Visiting hours begin in the morning until 12 midnight.