Remains of murdered Pinay maid in Palau repatriated

The remains of the Filipina domestic helper killed in Palau last June 29 was flown to the Philippines Friday night. A report on "Balitanghali" said the remains of Virginia Ventura arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport past midnight. Ventura's relatives brought the remains to a funeral parlor early Saturday, the report added. Ventura, 42, a native of San Nicolas in Pangasinan, was allegedly assaulted while walking alone to the Q-lala Department Store, which is beside Palau Hotel, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had earlier said. The Justice Ministry of Palau had said the 17-year-old suspect is now under the police custody, according to the Philippine Ambassador to Palau Ramoncito Marino. The DFA said police authorities who responded to the scene of the crime brought Ventura to the hospital for treatment. However, she later died due to severe lacerations on her head and arms. The embassy has immediately coordinated with concerned authorities on the matter, and has requested investigation and additional information on the development of her case. The Philippine government said earlier this week it has extended support to the family of Ventura. [See: PHL gov't extends support to kin of Pinay killed in Palau] — With Bernadette Carreon/JE, GMA News