PHL gov't extends support to kin of Pinay killed in Palau

The Philippine government has extended support to the family of the Filipina domestic helper killed in Palau last June 29, the embassy there told the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Tuesday. Virginia Ventura, 42, a native of San Nicolas in Pangasinan, was allegedly attacked by an assailant while walking alone to the Q-lala Department Store, which is beside Palau Hotel, the DFA said. Earlier, the Justice Ministry of Palau told Philippine Ambassador to Palau Ramoncito Marino that the suspect is now under the police custody. Marino personally called the Palau Attorney General’s Office to ensure the prosecution of the suspect. Ventura had been working in Palau for 15 years and was supposed to return home to the Philippines on June 28. However, she had failed to go home due to lack of financial capacity to pay for her plane ticket. The embassy and the DFA-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs had already informed Ventura’s family about the incident. The DFA said it is already closely coordinating with Ventura’s family in making the necessary arrangements for the repatriation of her remains. — JE, GMA News