Remains of Slain Filipina Student from Ireland Arrives Home

The remains of Jastine Valdez, the 24-year-old Filipina student who was abducted and murdered in Ireland 10 days ago, arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday night, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The student’s remains were accompanied by her parents and Philippine Honorary Consul in Dublin Mark Congdon.

They were met by officials from the DFA Office of Migrant Workers Affairs and the Clark International Airport Corp. upon arrival at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport at around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Valdez had just left her home in Wicklow County when she was abducted by a 40-year-old local man on May 19. Police tracked down the vehicle on Sunday and fatally shot the suspect.

Her body was found on May 21, following a massive search that began after her disappearance.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Congdon expressed their gratitude to the Philippine government for their assistance in repatriating the remains of their only daughter home.

Valdez’s remains will be laid to rest in her hometown in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. (PNA)