Daughter to bring back Iggy's body

MANILA, Philippines -  The eldest daughter of the late Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo has taken charge of the funeral arrangements and will bring back his remains next week from London amid the bickering of two women claiming to have the right to take custody of his body.

Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo said his younger brother’s remains would be brought home next week “soonest” by his niece Bianca, the late lawmaker’s daughter by his first wife, Marilyn Jacinto.

Mike said Bianca, in a text message from London, informed him of the development.

Mike earlier appealed to Alicia Rita “Aleli” Arroyo, Iggy’s legal wife, and his long-time companion Grace Ibuna “to make peace so that Iggy can rest in peace.”

Iggy’s marriage with Marilyn was annulled while the annulment case for his marriage with Aleli was still being heard at the time of his death.

The lawmaker died last Jan. 26 in a London hospital where has being treated as an outpatient for cirrhosis of the liver. Grace was with him when he died.

However, up to now, Iggy’s remains have yet to be repatriated owing to the quarrel between Grace and Aleli.

A British court reportedly took cognizance of the case and would decide who should have custody of the body.

Aleli claims sole custody but she is relying on the Philippine embassy in London to represent her in the courts.

Grace, who asked that custody over her partner’s remains be granted to her, brought the case to the London courts.

Aleli, in an interview with ANC yesterday, even called Grace “evil,” who wanted Iggy “stuck in a freezer” and keep the remains to herself.

Aleli said she does not want to make peace with Grace, who remains in London.