Alkhalaf, who is also a goodwill ambassador of the international NGO Southern Philippines Muslim and Non-Muslim Unity and Development Association (SPMUDA), came from the Eastern Province to meet the ambassador. The latter informed him that the consulate general in Jeddah is closely coordinating with the parties involved, and efforts are under way to obtain a final exit visa and have Salmos repatriated back home.

SPMUDA last week launched a humanitarian mission for Salmos through various channels with Alkhalaf’s assistance.  He is now in contact with the parties concerned. Yesterday, Alkhalaf also spoke to the Philippine consul general in Jeddah, Uriel Norman Garibay, on the issue.

Garibay informed Alkhalaf that Salmos' case with the Saudi traffic department had been cleared and that his sponsor would provide the return ticket.

Garibay confirmed that the victim would be repatriated very soon, maybe within a week, as his expired passport had also been renewed.

According to an appeal launched on social networking sites, 52-year-old Salmos suffered an electrical shock while at work two years ago. He had been in a coma until last month. The appeal said the victim had no family to take care of him in Jeddah and no job to sustain him.

Salmos’ plight caught the attention of human rights associations when his photo appeared on major social networks, including various channels in the Philippines. The report was also published in Arab News.

"I share with everyone the sympathies expressed for Salmos. We are, of course, happy and thank the Almighty that his condition has improved compared to two years ago when he was in a coma,” Tago said. He continued: “I have asked the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah to work closely with the employer and the authorities concerned to help Salmos, so he could be granted the required clearance and final exit.”

The Philippine Consulate in Jeddah issued a statement on May 3, communicating that Salmos was brought to King Abdulaziz Hospital in October 2010 to have his injuries treated. However, his name appears in the Saudi immigration database as the owner of a Honda Accord 1981 model impounded 12 years ago. This record must be rectified, according to the statement. He is also said to have left Siemens Ltd. six months before he met with the accident. Hence, the issuance of his final visa is further complicated by the need to have his expired residence card renewed and immigration fines settled by his former employer.

SPMUDA’s founding president, Datu Camad Ali, said Salmos was in need of financial assistance so he could rejoin his family back home. He also wrote a letter to the Philippine President Benigno Aquino on the matter.

SPMUDA International is a registered nonprofit, nonstock and non-partisan NGO for peace, unity and development. It has branches in more than 193 countries represented by its volunteer goodwill ambassadors to link and promote understanding, friendship and cooperation on matters of mutual interest for the welfare and benefit of the poor and the needy.